Sydney FC goalkeeper Danny Vukovic is set to head to overseas in a life changing move for the 32-year old and his family.
Vukovic, who joined the Sky Blues at the start of last season, will join a top flight club and will pursue the move once he has returned from Confederations Cup duty with the Socceroos in Russia.
“I am very fortunate to have had the best season of my career since joining Sydney FC,” said Vukovic.
“It has been an amazing 12 months for me and my family, a year I will always remember, and I would like to thank the Members and everyone at the club for an unforgettable experience.
“The support we have been given by everyone has been phenomenal and it is something that we as a family will hold dear to our hearts for the rest of our lives.
“I’m very sad to leave but to have such an unbelievable opportunity so late in my career is something that I just couldn’t turn down.
“It is something I could not have foreseen and I would like to thank Sydney FC, the board of directors and Graham Arnold for their kindness, understanding and support in allowing me to make this move.
“I am very proud at what we have achieved and with the fantastic squad Arnie has assembled, I believe the club will continue to be successful in the years ahead.”
Head Coach Graham Arnold praised Vukovic, who holds the record for the number of Hyundai A-League appearances (278), and wished him well in his future career.
“Danny was superb last season and it’s no secret how highly I regard him as a player and as a person.
“No one at Sydney FC wants Danny to go and we are naturally devastated to lose him but this is a life changing opportunity for him, his wife Kristy and his beautiful son Harley. It’s the kind of challenge faced by Australian clubs and we cannot stand in his way.
“I’m very proud of Danny and would like to thank him for his professionalism since he joined Sydney FC and for the fabulous service he gave us.
“He will always have a special place in the hearts and minds of Sydney FC Members.”
Vukovic played 28 Hyundai A-League games and five FFA Cup games for Sydney FC.
He set a Hyundai A-League record for the number of clean sheets in a season going unbeaten in 16 of his 28 games.
Meanwhile youngsters George Timotheou and Bai Antoniou have both left the club to pursue other football career interests.
The club would like to place on record its thanks for their service over the last season and wish them well for the future.
The Sky Blues will return to training in early July, ahead of the club’s huge clash with Arsenal FC on Thursday 13 July.
Sydney FC’s Hyundai A-League Season 2017/18 Playing Squad:
1 – Andrew REDMAYNE
4 – Alex WILKINSON
5 – Jordy BUIJS
6 – Josh BRILLANTE
7 – Michael ZULLO
8 – Milos DIMITRIJEVIC
9 – BOBÔ
10 – Milos NINKOVIC
12 – Aaron CALVER
13 – Brandon O’NEILL
14 – Alex BROSQUE
17 – David CARNEY
18 – Matt SIMON
22 – Seb RYALL
23 – Rhyan GRANT
24 – Charles LOKOLINGOY
*Please note playing numbers are subject to change
2017/18 Sydney FC Memberships available NOW. Full Season Memberships available from $270 for Adults and $630 for families, or if you can’t commit to all games non-ticketed Memberships from $75! Become a Sky Blue Member today – CLICK HERE
