Melbourne Victory today confirmed that inaugural squad member Danny Allsopp has made a permanent move to Qatari side Al-Rayyan Sports Club for an undisclosed fee and will depart for the Middle East this evening.
Melbourne Victory today confirmed that inaugural squad member Danny Allsopp has made a permanent move to Qatari side Al-Rayyan Sports Club for an undisclosed fee and will depart for the Middle East this evening.
Allsopp, 31, had less than a year remaining on his Melbourne Victory contract and moves on with the club’s best wishes following a successful period in which he netted 36 goals in 89 Hyundai A-League appearances.
“Danny has been part of Melbourne Victory since day one and will forever be a part of the club’s history,” Melbourne Victory Football Operations Manager Gary Cole said.
“To put it simply, Danny has been a tremendous player over the past five seasons and leaves as the club’s record games holder and second highest goal scorer.
“We wish him and his family all the best as he embarks on the next stage of his career.”
The two-time Victory Medallist played a major role in Melbourne Victory’s two Premierships and Championships, winning the Reebok Golden Boot in 2006/07 and making his senior international debut for Australia in 2007.
The striker arrived from English side Hull City as one of Melbourne Victory’s first signings and paid tribute to his teammates and Melbourne Victory Coach Ernie Merrick, who has also been at the club since its inception.
“I really want to say thanks to all of my teammates and everyone at the club who helped me get this opportunity, which is great for me and my family,” Allsopp said.
“In particular, I’d like to thank Ernie and the coaching staff, who helped me develop as a person on and off the pitch, as well as the fans who supported me over the years.
“I really enjoyed myself here. They’ve been the best years of my career and I want to thank everyone for all their help.
“I came to the club when we didn’t really have anything. Nobody knew who Melbourne Victory was and now it’s pretty big here in Melbourne.
“It’s sad that I’m parting ways for the time being to take this chance.”
Allsopp’s departure leaves Kevin Muscat as Melbourne Victory’s last remaining inaugural player, with Archie Thompson and Adrian Leijer having spent time at Dutch side PSV Eindhoven and English club Fulham respectively over the past five seasons.
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