Western Sydney Wanderers captain Marcelo Guedes has officially left the club, bringing an end to his two-year spell with the Isuzu UTE A-League outfit.
Recruited in July 2022, the Brazilian joined the Wanderers following an impressive career in Europe playing for the likes of French side Olympique Lyonnais, Dutch powerhouse PSV Eindhoven, Germany’s Hannover and Turkish giants Besiktas and would eventually go on to play more than 50 matches during his time in Western Sydney.
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Now 38, Marcelo made an immediate impact on both his teammates and supporters after moving to Western Sydney and was subsequently named club captain by then head coach Marko Rudan shortly after arriving from Europe.
In a statement released via social media, the former Brazil youth international confirmed his exit and expressed his gratitude to those associated with the Wanderers during his two years at CommBank Stadium.
“I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the Western Sydney Wanderers, my teammates, the entire staff, and the amazing fans for the past two seasons as captain,” said Marcelo upon the expiration of his contract.
“It has been an honour to lead such a dedicated and talented group. I gave my very best, as I have in every team throughout my career. Thank you for your unwavering support and for making this journey unforgettable.
He continued: “I will always cherish the memories and friendships we’ve built. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart.”
Originally contracted until the end of the 2024-25 Isuzu UTE A-League season, the club subsequently agreed upon a mutual termination of his deal following a request from the player himself.
“A fantastic ambassador and natural leader on and off the pitch, Marcelo will forever be
remembered by the Wanderers faithful for his leadership and passion for the club,” said Wanderers CEO Scott Hudson in a message to the club’s fans.
“The Wanderers would like to thank Marcelo for his contribution to the club and wish
him and his family all the best in the future.”
Marcelo played a key role in steering Western Sydney back to the Isuzu UTE A-League finals in 2022-23, breaking the club’s six-year drought, and departs the Wanderers having most recently captained the A-Leagues All Stars Men’s side during their 8-0 demolition of Premier League giants Newcastle United.
With Marcelo’s departure now confirmed, incoming head coach Alen Stajcic will need to fill a gaping hole in the heart of the Wanderers defence whilst he’ll also be tasked with appointing a new club captain.
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Replacing Rudan, Stajcic was freshly installed as the Wanderers’ new head coach ahead of the 2023-24 Isuzu UTE A-League season following his departure from Perth Glory and will immediately look to improve upon last season’s seventh-placed finish.
Stajcic’s first official game in charge of Western Sydney will see them face Brisbane City in the Australia Cup Round of 32 on July 31.
