Brattan joined the Sky Blues this year after three seasons at Melbourne City.

"You look at them obviously over the last five years and they've been the benchmark against the A-League," Brattan told AAP.

"I knew a lot of boys here before I came and obviously spoke to them and they had nothing but good things to say about the club and I'd be lying if I said I didn't want to be a part of it."

Brattan contemplated moving to Turkey in the off-season, then turned his focus to a move within the A-League, settling on Sydney FC.

"I've got a young family so they're my number one priority and I just wanted to get back to enjoying my football and enjoying my life," Brattan said.

"And Sydney was I thought at the time - and I still think now - the best option for me to get back to enjoying myself. I was at City for a fair few years and I saw myself there long-term but it didn't work out.

"But I'm extremely happy here and honoured and I'm very, very excited.

"The gaffer's put together a pretty incredible squad so I'm buzzing and can't wait to get started."

Brattan joins a midfield that includes Brandon O'Neill, Milos Ninkovic and fellow recruit Alexander Baumjohann - but lost Josh Brillante to Melbourne City in the off-season.

"Some of the players that we've got in this team are ridiculously talented and have proven themselves in the A-League over the past couple of years," he said.

"I'm not looking to do anything special, I just want to bring what I bring to the team, contribute in any way I can.

"Obviously Joshy is a big loss for them but hopefully I can fill his boots and keep being successful at the club."

Australian Associated Press