The experienced South Coast gloveman has never played professional football in his homeland.

The pen is now poised to tick that box after A-League newcomers Macarthur FC announced last Thursday that they had signed Federici on a two-year deal.

The Huskisson product returns to Australia having played in more than 280 games for various English Premier and Championship League clubs. Highlights included helping Reading make the semi finals of the 2010 FA Cup, while he also played a key role in Reading's 1-all Cup draw with EPL giants Manchester United three years earlier.

Federici spent his past two seasons playing for Stoke City, but was released by the club last month after his contract expired. The move opened up the door for a move to Macarthur FC.

As he sits on Huskisson Beach with his family, Federici is ready for the next chapter to begin. The 35-year-old told the Mercury that coming back to Australia was a drawcard - as was the chance to play under Bulls coach Ante Milicic.

"We've been working behind the scenes and I've been speaking to my manager quite a bit over the past couple of months," he said. "I was free after my contract and it just combined with a lot of different things for us. The world's gone a bit crazy with everything and there were family reasons, bringing the kids back out here. I was really looking forward to that. And Ante himself is a football identity and the things he wants to do align with what I'm about too. I'm pretty excited to work with him.

"It's pretty cool to be involved in a new club and hopefully be one of the first players to step onto the pitch for a brand new side. You don't get many of these opportunities in Europe."

The father-of-two said it was his first time playing professionally in Australia.

"I always wanted to come back here and play. I definitely wanted to come back and live," Federici said.

"I've been fortunate enough to go all around the world, but there's no place like it. It's been very nice to be home and catch up with everyone, because I've obviously been away a long time. It will take some time adjusting for me, but as soon as I got off the plane, it felt like old times again. I'm really happy and I'm sure my family will adjust."

See more: Okada delivers crucial strike for Wollongong Wolves

Federici was the Bulls' third official signing, joining Central Coast player Tommy Oar and Olyroos midfielder Denis Genreau. Former Socceroos captain Mark Milligan was unveiled as the club's marquee man on Friday.

Milligan and Federici, another former Socceroo, add plenty of experience to the Bulls, which will join the A-League next season.

"Mark's had a fantastic career. He was obviously captain at one point as well and got a lot to offer for the club," Federici said.

"I've been in Europe my whole career, at club level, and I've been around the block there a lot at a high level. I've got a lot of experience and a lot of things to add.

"I'm starting to understand it more being around the place down here. There's quite a big group of people here on the South Coast who love football and have a million questions to ask, which I love answering. I'm sort of getting that role model vibe."