Sydney FC has terminated the contract of Douglas Costa by mutual consent, with the winger unable to travel to Australia.
On-going legal and personal matters in his home country have prevented the Brazilian from leaving.
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Despite being granted more than two months’ grace to resolve those issues, Costa has informed Sydney FC there is no end in sight.
Douglas Costa expressed his gratitude to Sydney FC for his time at the Club, while his departure opens up a 5th visa spot for the Sky Blues to fill in January, if required.
“I want to thank Sydney FC for giving me the opportunity to play in Australia – it was an incredible year in Sky Blue,” Costa said.
“I am very sorry that I cannot return at this time due to the matters I must resolve at home, but I will always remember my time in Sydney fondly.
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“To the Members and fans, I truly appreciate the support you gave me and the team. Playing in front of you was very special, and I will never forget it.”
Head Coach Ufuk Talay paid tribute to the 34-year-old’s contribution in Sky Blue.
“Douglas gave us some entertaining performances during his season here, and I want to thank him for the effort and quality he brought to the squad,” Talay said.
“We have supported him over the last couple months to try and resolve his issues, however we’ve agreed this is the best path forward for the squad as we prepare for the season ahead.”
The Sky Blues are continuing to look to strengthen their squad before the start of the season, and have added exciting talents Victor Campuzano and Abel Walatee this week; in addition to the earlier signing of Peruvian international Piero Quispe.
These players are alongside the arrivals of Marcel Tisserand, Paul Okon Jnr, Al-Hassan Toure, Akol Akon, Rhys Youlley, Mathias Macallister, and Alex Grant,
