Sydney FC and midfielder Milos Dimitrijevic have agreed to part ways, with the Serbian to pursue other opportunities and move closer to his family.
The Serbian’s departure leaves the Sky Blues with two visa spots available to fill ahead of the start of the Hyundai A-League season on Saturday 7th October.
Dimitrijevic joined Sydney FC in January 2014 making his full debut in the Sky Blues 5-0 demolition of Melbourne Victory at Etihad Stadium on Australia Day.
A year later, the 33-year-old went on to win a clean sweep of the Sky Blues’ Player of the Year awards after a fabulous season in which he helped Sydney FC to a second-place finish and the Grand Final.
He also memorably scored a last-minute winning goal for the Sky Blues against reigning AFC Champions League holder Guangzhou Evergrande the following year at Allianz Stadium, to help Sydney FC reach the ACL last 16 for the first time.
Dimitrijevic admits he is thankful for the opportunity to come to Australia.
“I will always be grateful for the chance Sydney FC gave me to continue my football career,” he said.
“I have had a fantastic three and a half years with Sydney FC culminating in winning the Championship and Premiership last season.
“I made memories and friends I will cherish for the rest of my life and I would like to thank all of the players I have played with, as well as the excellent staff at the club.
“Importantly I also want to thank the Members who have supported me and the club fabulously throughout my time in Sydney.”
Head Coach Graham Arnold was full of praise for the Serbian midfielder.
“Milos has been a phenomenal player during my time at the club and had a marvellous year in my first season.
“He has proven to be a model professional and played a hugely important role for the club in our double win last season, despite not perhaps getting the game time he would have liked.
“On behalf of the club I’d like to thank him for his fantastic service and wish him well in his future endeavours.”
Dimitrijevic played 76 Hyundai A-League games for the Sky Blues scoring two goals. The Serb also played in all eight of the Sky Blues 2016 AFC Champions League fixtures scoring one goal and made two appearances in the FFA Cup, scoring one goal in last season’s semi-final.
Meanwhile in squad news Aaron Calver will wear the number two jersey this season, new signing Paulo Retre will be handed the number eight shirt and Charles Lokolingoy will take on number 21.
Sydney FC’s Hyundai A-League Season 2017/18 Playing Squad:
1 – Andrew REDMAYNE
2 – Aaron CALVER
4 – Alex WILKINSON
5 – Jordy BUIJS
6 – Josh BRILLANTE
7 – Michael ZULLO
8 – Paulo RETRE
9 – BOBÔ
10 – Milos NINKOVIC
13 – Brandon O’NEILL
14 – Alex BROSQUE
17- David CARNEY
18 – Matt SIMON
21 – Charles LOKOLINGOY
22 – Seb RYALL
23 – Rhyan GRANT
*Please note playing numbers are subject to change
Sydney FC take on Arsenal FC on Thursday 13th July at 8pm – for tickets click here .
