French defender William Gallas on Wednesday joined Perth Glory in Australia's A-League after being released by English Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur.

The former Chelsea and Arsenal star said he was looking forward to the challenge, opting for Perth despite reported interest from Manchester City, Crystal Palace and clubs in the Middle East and America.

"I look forward to wearing with pride the jersey of Perth Glory for this season," he said in a statement after agreeing to a one-year deal, subject to a medical.

"I hope to help my new team mates and club achieve success in this season and hope to help deliver to the fans of Perth the championship they are looking for.

"I look forward to this new challenge and hope to excite the fans."

The 36-year-old spent more than a decade at top clubs Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham, where he played 24 matches as vice-captain last season.

He was also capped 84 times by France and will be the first French player in Australia's domestic competition, which features several other former greats led by Italian superstar Alessandro Del Piero.

His signing is another huge boost to the booming A-League, which is still riding a wave of momentum following last year's arrivals of veteran trio Del Piero, Shinji Ono and Emile Heskey.

Glory coach Alistair Edwards said he was thrilled to add a player of Gallas' experience to his youthful side.

"What better player in world football to bring to Western Australia than someone with 84 caps for one of the best footballing nations in the world?" Edwards said.

"Gallas fits into our vision of providing the best environment for our youth to flourish."