Melbourne Heart right-back Michael Marrone is set to to travel to China with the view to signing with a Chinese Super League club.
Melbourne Heart right-back Michael Marrone is set to to travel to China with the view to signing with a Shanghai-based Chinese Super League club.
Marrone, 25, joined Heart in its inaugural campaign in 2010-11 but will not be included in the squad to face Sydney FC on Sunday as he looks to finalise personal conditions in China.
As part of the deal, Heart are unable to confirm which club the defender is in talks with.
After his first season, the right-back attracted the attention from the likes of Queens Park Rangers, Charlton Athletic and Celtic, and drew strong interest from Serie A side Cagliari 18 months ago.
The defender leaves after making 70 appearances for the Red and White, making him the club-s all-time appearance record holder, alongside Matt Thompson.
“Michael has been a great servant of the club and has become a fan favourite,” Heart coach John Aloisi said.
“During his time with the Heart he has become one of the competition-s standout full-backs, with his performances drawing recognition from his peers and earning him a Socceroos cap last month.
“Michael has been presented with a great opportunity and the club will not stand in his way of chasing professional football in the highly-competitive Asian market.
“Michael has always expressed his desire to play football overseas and we wish him all the best in his future endeavours.”