Melbourne Victory midfielder Gui Finkler has signed a two-year deal with Wellington Phoenix and will join Ernie Merrick’s men at the end of the season in a massive coup for the Kiwi outfit.
Gui gallery: Finkler’s finest moments at Victory
“Gui has made the decision to take up a new opportunity at a different club, and that’s the nature of the industry we’re in,” said Victory head coach Kevin Muscat in a statement on Thursday.
“Gui has been a strong contributor to Melbourne Victory over a number of years. We thank him for his service to Melbourne Victory and wish him well for the future.”
Finkler has played 89 Hyundai A-League games and scored 20 goals over the past four seasons for Victory.
Though it was no secret that Muscat’s decision to leave Finkler out of the club’s 2016 ACL squad was a big blow to the Brazilian.
“It was obviously a difficult decision for me to leave such a great club like Melbourne Victory,” Finkler said in the statement.
“I want to thank everyone at the club and the fans for their support over the last four seasons. I am very thankful for all the memories I’ve created at Victory.
“I am committed to contributing as best as I can to the team for the rest of the season.”
Following the news Finkler told www.wellingtonphoenix.com he was looking forward to playing for the Phoenix and for the chance to link up with current Victory teammate Kosta Barbarouses.
“It is a new challenge for me and one that I am keen to start,” Finkler said.
“Ernie has shown me what he wants to do in the next couple of years and I want to be a part of it.
“The club wants to grow and I want to help them win trophies.
“It helps you settle in if you have a close friend with you.
“Besides being a friend Kosta is a smart, quality player and we combine well.”
