Western United have announced the departure of star Brazilian playmaker Daniel Penha, who will leave the Isuzu UTE A-League club to play closer to home due to family reasons.
Penha bids an emotional farewell after “one of the great individual seasons” in the history of Western.
On loan from Atletico Mineiro in 2023-24, the 25-year-old scored seven goals and supplied three assists in 22 appearances for John Aloisi’s team, having return to Australia following a memorable stint with Newcastle Jets in 2021-22.
“I would like to say thank you. Thank you to each of you who has always supported me since
I arrived at the club,” Penha said.
“I was very, very happy last season. I’ve enjoyed every single moment we had together. You showed me unforgettable respect and made me and my wife feel at home in Australia.
“Thank you so much for all of your support. I will never forget you. I hope we can meet again in the future and share more beautiful moments.”
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Penha scooped four honours at Western’s end-of-season awards night – Men’s Player of the Season, Golden Boot, Fans’ Goal of the Season and Club Person of the Season.
He was selected in the A-Leagues All Stars Men’s team in May before withdrawing as the competition’s best crushed Premier League giants Newcastle United 8-0 at Marvel Stadium.
“As a player and as a person, Daniel has epitomised everything we stand for at Western United and while we have tried our best to keep him at our club, sometimes there are things bigger than football and we are fully supportive of Daniel’s decision to be closer to his family,” said Western’s general manager of football Mal Impiombato.
“His talent on the pitch and his infectious positivity and kindness made him a joy to work with, and the impact he had on everyone at our club will undoubtedly stick for some time.
“Daniel, Larissa and their family will always be welcome back at Western United and on behalf of everyone in our Green and Black family, I send my very best wishes to them for the future.”
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