Trent Sainsbury Returns to Central Coast Mariners

Former Australian international defender Trent Sainsbury has rejoined A-League champions Central Coast Mariners. Sainsbury, who played 58 times for Australia, previously left the club in 2014 to play for Dutch side PEC Zwolle. His return strengthens the Mariners' squad for the upcoming season starting against Shandong Taishan on Sept. 17.

Former Australian international defender Trent Sainsbury has rejoined A-League champions Central Coast Mariners, the club confirmed on Friday. Sainsbury, 32, who boasts 58 appearances for the Australian national team, initially left the Mariners in 2014 to join Dutch side PEC Zwolle.

Expressing his excitement, Sainsbury said, 'I'm super excited to be returning to the Central Coast.' He previously won the A-League title with the Mariners in 2013 and was a member of Australia's 2015 Asian Cup-winning squad.

His return is set to bolster the Central Coast Mariners as they prepare for the new season, which kicks off with a match against Chinese Super League's Shandong Taishan in the Asian Champions League Elite on September 17.

(With inputs from agencies.)