Western Sydney Wanderers have announced defender Tarek Elrich has left the club to pursue another opportunity.
The Wanderers stalwart was one of the club’s first three signings, joining the newly-established Hyundai A-League side along with Socceroos star Aaron Mooy and Kwabena Appiah-Kubi in 2012.
The 33-year-old spent one season at the club before departing for Adelaide United, where he stayed until the end of the 2017/18 Hyundai A-League campaign.
Elrich then returned to Wanderland ahead of the 2018/19 season where he played until the announcement of his departure today.
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The Western Sydney-local says he departs the club with a heavy heart, but the time is right for him to take his career in a new direction.
“I’m never good with goodbyes but it’s time for me to move onto a new adventure,” Elrich told the club website.
“I just wanted to say thank you to everyone. This club obviously means a lot to me being one of the first players signed and then for the club to bring me back last season.
“I love this place and it will always have a special place in my heart.
“To the members and fans, you have been nothing but amazing and are definitely the best fans in the league. You make our jobs easier when you make all the noise out there and thank you for supporting me through my journey here.”
Western Sydney Wanderers CEO John Tsatsimas says Elrich has been a fantastic ambassador for the Wanderers throughout his time at the club.
“Anyone who knows Tarek knows that he has been a wonderful ambassador for this club and proud of the region he has represented,” Tsatsimas said.
“We wish him and his young family all the very best in the future.”
