The Central Coast Mariners have been left frustrated after young striker Bernie Ibini quit the club and joined former mentor Graham Arnold at Sydney FC.
The Central Coast Mariners have been left frustrated after young striker Bernie Ibini quit the club and joined former mentor Graham Arnold at Sydney FC.
The 21-year-old signed a one-year loan extension in April to stay with the Mariners for the 2014-15 season from Chinese club Shanghai, but today opted to switch to the Sky Blues for next season.
Mariners boss Phil Moss admitted it was disappointing to lose the young star especially given the club offered the striker a lifeline mid-season after struggling to adapt to life in China.
“It is obviously disappointing to be losing a player of Bernie-s potential, especially given the amount of faith we have shown in him and hours we have put into him,” Moss said.
“We understand Bernie has signed on-loan from Shanghai with Sydney FC, and that Sydney offered a financially superior deal to both Bernie and Shanghai.”
“While we may not have been able to match these amounts we were given no right of reply by Bernie-s agent, which is extremely disappointing.”
Ibini is Graham Arnold-s first signing since being announced as Sydney FC-s new boss last week and was thrilled to have the youngster on board.
“Bernie is a great acquisition for the club and I-m convinced he-ll be a fan favourite,” he said.
“He-s an exciting player, a goalscorer and also a Sydney boy. He-s just the type of player we need to recruit.”
Ibini-s desire to be closer to his family was a factor behind his decision and admitted that he supported the club when he was a youngster.
“I-m definitely very excited and looking forward to my first season here next year,” said the striker.
“I-m very happy to be working with Graham Arnold again and having heard his and the club-s big plans for the future, everything is going in the right direction.
“The timing of the move was perfect for me. Not having to travel as far and being able to be closer to home will definitely be a good thing for me and help me perform to the best of my ability.
“When the A-League first started I went to Sydney FC-s first game. Dwight Yorke scored and I supported the club as a boy.
“I like to always try to play my best and score goals. I enjoy football, I love football and I like to try and play exciting football as well, so they [the fans] will know I will always try my best no matter what.”
