Former Juventus and Bayern Munich -Wing player Douglas Costa said goodbye to Sydney FC after his contract was terminated by mutual permission.
The 35-year-old, a former Brazilian international who was praised as a tent signed in front of Ufuk Talay when he arrived last August, cannot leave his native Brazil in the midst of “continuous legal and personal affairs,” the club said.
“We have supported him in recent months to try to solve his problems, but we are agree that this is the best way for the team,” said Talay, who had previously acknowledged that the club was planning for life without their star man.
Costa, who scored four goals in 15 performances when Sydney finished seventh in the A-League in the previous term, became the biggest signing of the club since the Italian Alessandro del Piero in 2012 when he arrived in Moore Park last year.
Together with former Chelsea and Manchester United -midfielder Juan Mata, who came to Western Sydney Warriors 10 days later, Costa quickly became a poster boy for the competition.
‘I will always remember my time in Sydney lovingly’
But now, two days after Mata had announced a move to Melbourne’s victory, his fans of Sydney Crestfallen were left behind by the attacker’s departure. Costa recognized their support in a farewell declaration.
“I want to thank Sydney FC for giving the opportunity to play in Australia – it was an incredible year in Sky Blue,” said the Brazilian. “I am very sorry that I cannot return at the moment because of the things I have to solve at home, but I will always remember my time in Sydney.
“For the members and fans I really appreciate the support you gave me and the team. Playing for you was very special, and I will never forget it.”
‘Unable to travel to Australia’
Costa’s statement followed an official announcement from the club, which was increasingly resigned from his likely departure and this week brought the Spanish striker Víctor Campuzano, who recently left the Segunda Division Side Sporting Gijón.
“Sydney FC has terminated Douglas Costa’s contract by mutual permission, where the winger is unable to travel to Australia,” said a club statement.
“Current legal and personal matters in his home country have prevented the Brazilian from leaving. Despite the fact that he was given grace to solve those problems for more than two months, Costa Sydney FC has informed that there is no end at the end.”
In May 2023, Costa received an arrest for an alleged absence to pay child benefit.
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