Melbourne Heart FC is delighted to confirm the signing of Liberian international Patrick Gerhardt for the Hyundai A-League 2012/13 season.

Gerhardt, 26, joins Heart on two-year deal from Bosnian side FK Željeznicar, where he played a pivotal role in helping the Sarajevo outfit to the League and Cup double last season.

While primarily a defensive midfielder, Head Coach John Aloisi was impressed by Swiss-born Gerhardt’s versatility, with his ability to also play anywhere across the back four likely to make him a key asset for Heart during the upcoming season.

“Patrick will bring a lot to the Club. Defensive midfield is the position we see him most suited to, but he’s versatile. He can win the ball, but he can also play the ball out of the back,” Aloisi said.

“He played in Bosnia last year and won the double, the League and the Cup, so he brings a winning mentality. He’s also a national team player with Liberia, so he’s got a lot of experience for a young person.

“We’ve had good feedback from the people we know in Europe, and they’ve said not only is he a good player, but a good person, and that’s an important factor for our club.”

A product of the youth system at Swiss side Young Boys of Bern, Gerhardt arrived in Melbourne last week to partake in training before completing a medical to continue his cosmopolitan football career.

Gerhardt has also earned two caps at senior international level, most recently featuring in a 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifying match against Senegal earlier this month.

“I’m happy to be here. I’ve seen a lot of nice things here at Melbourne Heart FC and in the city itself, so I’m confident I’ll be happy here in Melbourne,” Gerhardt said.

“I had a good experience in Bosnia, we had a great team and enjoyed a fantastic season, losing only a couple of games, but I’m excited by the challenge ahead in Australia.

“I hope that I will play well here in Melbourne and most importantly, I hope that we will be successful in the A-League this season.”