May 21 (Reuters) - A-League runners-up Sydney FC have began building for next season by signing Mickael Tavares to a two-year contract after the Senegal international impressed in his five-month spell as an injury replacement player.
Coach Graham Arnold was thrilled the 32-year-old, who has also had spells with Fulham in England and Germany's Hamburg SV, had signed and said he would be a key part of the club's tilt at domestic and international success next season.
Sydney were beaten 3-0 by Melbourne Victory in the A-League final last Sunday.
"Mickael is a quality player and his attitude and application since he arrived in January have been fantastic," Arnold said on the club's website.