Having spent almost twenty years in Europe plying his trade at European giants like Liverpool and Galatasaray, Harry Kewell has declared himself "ready to go straight away" for the Melbourne Victory after returning to Australia in this morning's early hours.

"I've been working since the start of August and I'm feeling pretty good," Kewell said, in what is sure to bring a smile to the faces of Victory fans and management alike.

His optimism also shone through, making his interest known in playing for Australia at both the 2014 Brazilian World Cup, and the Asian Cup in Australia the year after. Kewell, who'll be in 35 at the time of the next World Cup, said "that's my game plan, to go out there," before adding that he "had to go out there and perform" if he wanted to make it happen.

It was possibly the prospect of playing first up against Socceroos teammate Brett Emerton, Sydney FC's latest signing, that most piqued Kewell's interest. "I'm going to look forward to challenging Brett, because a lot of people are going to talk about me and him ... I think we're both ready for the challenge, and I think it will be exciting," Kewell remarked.

While Kewell noted that he expected the A-League to get a boost off his recruitment, he wasn't committing to the A-League forever, saying you "never know what will happen" once his three year contract expires.

But that didn't matter to Melbourne Victory coach Mehmet Durakovic. He couldn't contain his smile, emphasising that it was "a dream come true," especially for younger members of the squad. He also flagged Kewell's position in his team as being just behind the strikers.

Kewell's homecoming has been a long time coming, with months passing between the initial speculation and his ultimate signature. Critics have used this as ammunition in charging that his motives are based around potential earnings, rather than belief in the Victory and the A-League. The superstar seemed to have none of that though, instead citing the rare time he had spending with his family as reason for the delay.

Club chairman Anthony Di Pietro also highlighted his expectations that Kewell would provide his club with bigger crowd and membership numbers, as well as opportunities in bringing the club increased sponsorship opportunities. However, he did admit that not everything had yet materialised, with the club still in the market for a key away strip sponsor.

With his first training session later this week, his family set to arrive soon, and a jumper presentation at AAMI Stadium on Saturday, the Victory will be hoping to milk Kewell's return for everything they can. Given Kewell's undoubtedly large salary, it's hardly surprising.

The prodigal son hath returned.