Published Tuesday, 31 January 2012
The 28-year old previously played at Solitude from 2006 to 2009 and has now signed until the end of the season.
He featured in the Reds team that achieved the club's first ever win in a European tie, against FC Dinaburg of Latvia in the Intertoto Cup.
"I'm delighted to be a Cliftonville player again," said McAlinden, speaking on the club's website.
"I had been close to coming back a couple of times in the past so I was a little bit apprehensive about things this time around just incase it didn't work out.
"I didn't want to count any chickens until the papers were signed and, now that everything has been sorted, I can't wait to pull on the Red jersey again."
Chairman Gerard Lawlor was enthused to be able to confirm his return to Solitude.
He said: "Anybody who knows Irish League football can tell you how much this Club means to David McAlinden. He was a real favourite here before and it's wonderful to have him back.
"I had been very near to having him signed up to return in the past but, for one reason or another, things just didn't work out but I'm very pleased that everything is done and dusted this time."