Sydney FC has agreed to release striker Shane Smeltz from the final year of his contract with the frontman completing a deal with Malaysian Super League club Kedah FC overnight.
Smeltz, who sits second on the Hyundai A-League leading goalscorer chart, leaves the Sky Blues after two seasons having scored 12 goals in 43 Hyundai A-League games and one FFA Cup goal for the club.
He thanked the Sydney FC Members and fans for their support during his time with the club and wished the team a successful Hyundai A-League 2016/17 season.
“I have made a decision to take up an opportunity in Malaysia and I look toward to the fresh challenge,” said the 34 year old.
“It’s something that came about fairly quickly but as we all know this is sometimes how it works in football.
“I didn’t make the decision lightly as Sydney has been more than a home for me over the past two years.
“I leave with some fantastic memories. Getting to the Grand Final in my first season here and scoring the winner in the derby after 90 minutes last season come to mind.
“I truly want to thank the club, coaching staff, players and of course our great fans. The relationships I’ve built and the lifelong friendships I’ve made is something special I’ll take with me and I’m sure I will be back in and around the club at some stage.”
Head Coach Graham Arnold thanked Smeltz for his service to the club.
“Shane has been a great servant to the club, and his goals were integral to helping us reach the Grand Final in 2015,” he said.
“He leaves with our best wishes and we wish him and his family all the very best for the future.”
The New Zealand international’s release from his contract is effective immediately.
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