Melbourne Victory striker Ney Fabiano has played his last game for the club after deciding to join Thai Premier League side Bangkok Glass FC effective immediately.
The 30-year-old, who joined the club at the start of last season, scored six goals in 30 appearances for the club and was part of Melbourne’s all-conquering 2008/09 premiership team.
But he has been on the outer this campaign, starting in just seven matches and his decision to leave the club was based on lack of first-team football.
“We would like to thank Ney Fabiano for his contribution to Melbourne Victory and wish him all the best as he embarks on the next stage of his career,” Melbourne Victory football operations manager Gary Cole said.
“Ney loves Melbourne Victory, but at the same time he wants to play regular first-team football and we understand that.”
“Where possible, we have always assisted players wanting to further their careers overseas and Ney is a perfect example of this.”
“Ney was given permission to travel to Thailand last week for discussions regarding his future and has reached an agreement with Bangkok Glass.”
The colourful Brazilian said Melbourne will always hold a special place in his heart.
“I would like to thank so much the Melbourne Victory supporters,” Fabiano said.
“Part of my heart will stay in Melbourne forever because Melbourne Victory has been so important to me.”
“I am sad to be leaving, but I am a professional, and my life will now continue in Thailand.”
“The Melbourne Victory fans are fantastic and I will miss them, but life is life.”
Fabiano was embroiled in controversy in September 2008 when he was handed a nine-match suspension, which was later reduced to six on appeal, for spitting at Adelaide United defender Robert Cornthwaite.