Adelaide United have confirmed star winger Johan Absalonsen has left the club to return home to play in his native Denmark.
Absalonsen, who made 16 appearances for the Reds in the Hyundai A-League 2017/18 Season, has joined his former club SønderjyskE Fodbold.
In an injury-disrupted campaign for the 32-year-old, he scored eight goals for the Reds including a goal-of-the-season contender against Newcastle Jets in Round 24.
Johan Absalonsen has returned to Denmark with SønderjyskE Fodbold. We thank Johan for his time with us and wish him all the best! 🙌 #AUFC
📰 Read more: https://t.co/UB4L5W3E4F pic.twitter.com/VVmXPRHRBg
— Adelaide United (@AdelaideUnited) May 23, 2018
The Reds offered an improved contract to Absalonsen, but his family’s interests were eventually what persuaded the Dane to return to his homeland.
“It is unfortunate to be losing Johan after last season, but we must thank him for his dedication to the Club while he was with us,” Adelaide United General Manager of Football Ante Kovacevic said.
“There’s no denying that it was a difficult season for Johan because he had some big injuries that kept him off the pitch for a long time.
“We were open with Johan in wanting to keep him and offered him a new contract, but he has chosen to return home because of his family and we can understand the difficulties that come with moving so far away from home.
“This does open the door for further recruitment, which is exciting as we continue to plan for the upcoming season and beyond.”
Absalonsen is the second player to depart the Reds after the recent campaign, joining Tarek Elrich who has signed with Western Sydney Wanderers.
Adelaide United’s Confirmed Squad: Paul Izzo, Daniel Margush; Ryan Strain, Michael Marrone, Taylor Regan, Jordan Elsey, Michael Jakobsen; Isaias, Daniel Adlung, Lachlan Brook, Kristin Konstandopoulos, Nathan Konstandopoulos, Vince Lia; George Blackwood, Baba Diawara, Nikola Mileusnic, Ryan Kitto, Pacifique Niyongabire, Isaac Richards
