Western United have announced 2022 Isuzu UTE A-League Championship winner and inaugural squad member Steven Lustica has departed the club at the conclusion of his contract.
Lustica joined Western for the club’s first Isuzu UTE A-League campaign in 2019-20, and went on to make 84 league appearances through his five seasons at the club.
The 33-year-old played a crucial role in the club’s first and only Championship season to date, making 26 appearances through 2021-22 – including a start in Western’s Grand Final triumph over Melbourne City.
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Lustica was labelled “one of the club’s greats” by Western as he called time on his five-season stint in green and black.
“My time at Western United has been filled with memorable moments,” he said.
“Winning the Championship will be one of the proudest moments of my career. It’s a testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone involved, and I am grateful to have been a part of such an historic achievement.
“Thank you to the staff, coaches and my teammates – it has been a privilege to work alongside you.
“The unwavering support of the Western United fans has been truly inspiring and I am grateful to have experienced your incredible support first-hand.
“It has been an honour to wear the club’s colours and represent you all on and off the field.”
Lustica is Western’s second Championship-winner to leave the club this week after captain Josh Risdon; the announcement of his exit comes after Nikita Rukavytsya, Jacob Tratt and Connor O’Toole were all confirmed as departing players on Friday afternoon.
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Western United general manager of football Mal Impiombato bid Lustica a fond farewell as he closed the book on his stint at the club.
“Steven has been the ultimate professional on and off the pitch since joining our Club and he has had a significant impact on shaping our journey to date,” he said.
“Our supporters have held Steven in the highest regard over the past five seasons, and he will always be remembered for his role in our Championship win and in building the culture and identity of our Club.
“On behalf of everyone associated with Western United, I would like to thank Steven for everything he has given to the Club. I wish him and his family the very best in the future, and they will always be welcome at Western United.”
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