Sydney FC’s three-time Championship and Premiership winner Michael Zullo is to leave the club after six seasons.
The 33-year old left back is one of Sydney FC’s most decorated players having joined ahead of the record breaking 2016-17 campaign.
On top of the three Championships and Premierships Zullo has also won the FFA Cup in 2017.
However, the former Socceroo has struggled for fitness over the past two seasons with a chronic calf injury and will leave the Sky Blues in the next few weeks to continue his rehab.
“Everyone here has seen what I’ve been through over the last couple of years and they know that I’ve done absolutely everything I can to get fit again. Unfortunately it just hasn’t happened,” said the defender.
“The club have been amazing in giving me all the support I’ve needed but I’ve felt that I’ve been draining resources without being able to give back and contribute to the season.
“I’m a little bit disappointed that I haven’t been able to leave the club in the right way, but at the same time I’m very happy about the good times we’ve had over the last six years and it’s been a life changing period for me.”
Zullo’s last game for the Sky Blues came in the opening round of the 2020-21 A-League season against Wellington Phoenix which Sydney FC won 2-1 in Wollongong.
However he says he will always look back with a great deal of joy at his time in Sky Blue.
“It’s the end of an era for me in a lot of ways,” he continued.
“It was the most successful period of my career and probably the most enjoyable, so I’ve got a lot of fond memories of the trophies we won during that time.
“Off the field my sons were both born here, so that’s a connection I will always have to Sydney.
“I feel happiness for what we’ve achieved but also sadness that it’s over.
“We are probably going to move back up to Brisbane to be closer to family over the next period.”
And Zullo had a word for the Sydney FC Members who supported him during that time.
“The Members have always treated me with such respect here; I do have a bit of regret that I was unable to repay that the last couple of seasons, but I do hope I am leaving the fans with some happy memories from the first four years of my career here.”
Head Coach Steve Corica thanked the full back for the service he has given the club.
“Michael has been a big part of the squad and the culture at Sydney FC, and played a big role in our success during the past five seasons.
“We will miss his presence not only on the pitch but around the dressing room as well.
“I’d like to thank him for all the work he has done for the club and wish him and his family the best for the future.”
Zullo has played a total of 110 matches for the Sky Blues including 85 A-League matches, 15 FFA Cup games and 10 AFC Champions League appearances, scoring twice.
