Reading have completed their third free transfer of the summer by snapping up veteran John O’Shea on a one-year deal.
The 37-year-old defender arrives from Sunderland, where he spent seven years and has just suffered back-to-back relegations ahead of his contract expiry later this month.
He follows Andy Yiadom from Barnsley and Hull City’s David Meyler in securing moves to the Royals.
Before his stint with the Black Cats, O’Shea enjoyed a glittering 12-year senior career at Manchester United where he played 393 games, scoring 15 goals and won 14 trophies including five Premier League titles and the Champions League.
The defender has just retired from international duty with Republic of Ireland having made 118 caps and scoring three goals.
While his last two years at Sunderland have been largely forgettable, the highly experienced centre-back played 256 times for the Wearside club, all but one of those seasons in the Premier League, and made 37 appearances in the Championship last season.
“John has played and won at the very highest level,” said boss Paul Clement.
“He will bring us fantastic levels of experience and proven leadership qualities.
“We looked very carefully at John’s recent playing statistics and he played a total of 40 games for Sunderland last season; he is still incredibly fit and a hugely motivated individual.
“So we look forward to him being a big contributor out on the pitch next season.”
Chief executive Ron Gourlay added: “There are not many footballers, past or present, who possess the experience of John O’Shea.
“A natural leader, he arrives at Reading as one of the most decorated Irish footballers of all time, having won everything and experienced even more during a career spent almost entirely in the top tier and in European and international football.
“I am delighted John has chosen to join Reading.”
