Departing striker Oskar Zawada has made an emotional farewell to Wellington Phoenix fans, saying he’s ready for his next football challenge.
“Wellington Phoenix will always be in my heart and I will always remember what we have done together during the last two season and what a big bond we created,” the Polish forward wrote on his social media channel.
“I have a lot of love to all of you.”
Zawada (28) is out of contract at the A-League club and head coach Giancarlo Italiano confirmed in mid-May the forward was not part of his plans for the 2024-25 Isuzu-UTE A-League season.
“Because we’ve done well this year the market has obviously pushed the value of those players up,” Italiano said.
“I want to reinvest some of that money into some of the younger players that I want longer term.”
Zawada, who scored 22 goals in 42 games for the Phoenix, told his social media followers:
“Now it’s time for me to move on and take new challenges, but I can guarantee you one thing …
“My heart will always be connected with this country, city, club and fans. Thank you for all these beautiful moments.
“I will always remember all those amazing chants in the Sky Stadium you sang for me, and especially the crazy atmosphere in the stadium you created when I scored the equaliser in the 99th minute of the play-offs.
“Good luck in the future.”
The Wellington Phoenix responded to Zawada’s message, stating on their website and social media: “The Wellington Phoenix and our fans will never forget you, Oz. All the best in the future.”
This story was first published on July 2, 2024.
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