Sydney FC today granted Premiership striker Mark Bridge a release from the final year of his contract.

Sydney FC today granted Premiership striker Mark Bridge a release from the final year of his contract with the two-time Hyundai A-League Champions.

Bridge scored the winning goal in Sydney FC-s 2009/10 Grand Final victory over Melbourne Victory and scored 17 goals in 80 appearances for the Sky Blues since joining Sydney FC at the start of the 2008/09 season.

“Sydney FC would like to thank Mark for his service and contribution over the last three years,” said Sydney FC Football Director Gary Cole. “He is a Premiership and Championship winner with Sydney FC and will always be remembered for his goal in the 2009/10 Grand Final. We wish him all the best in the future.”

The 26-year-old mutually terminated his Sydney FC contract this morning after requesting a release, citing the need for a fresh change.

“I really enjoyed my time at Sydney FC but I felt I needed a change,” Bridge said. “I made a lot of really good mates at Sydney FC and the club was good to me while I was here and I-d like to thank them for agreeing to the release.”