Sydney FC’s record breaking goalscorer Bobô is to retire from football at the end of this season.
The Brazilian has scored 71 goals in 118 games for the Sky Blues and still holds the record for the most prolific A-League Men’s season ever when he scored 27 goals during the 2017-18 campaign.
The 37-year old has had a stellar career playing for the biggest clubs in Brazil (Corinthians/Gremio), Turkey (Besiktas) and Australia and in some of the biggest football competitions on the planet, including the UEFA Champions League.
Speaking on his retirement Bobô said: “It’s not an easy decision but I’ve been in the game 19 years now and I’ve thought a lot about it this season.
“I played ten years in Turkey, five years in Brazil and four years at Sydney FC, it’s a long journey.
“When I look back on my career I need to be happy because I played for big clubs in Turkey, big clubs in Brazil and the most successful club in Australia, so I have a lot of good memories.
“I have great memories of playing Champions League football in Europe and in Asia, scoring against Liverpool and many other clubs.
“It has also been a pleasure playing for Sydney FC. I have always felt welcomed by everyone at the club and have played with some excellent players like Brosquey, Ninkovic, Holosko, Wilko, Rhyan Grant and Adrian, but I can name ten or so more.
“I can pick two favourite memories from Sydney FC and that’s scoring the winning header in the FFA Cup Final in 2017 and also winning the Grand Final against Melbourne Victory in the same year.
“I’d like to thank everyone for all of the great times here, it’s a strange feeling, but I feel something new is coming.”
Bobô’s final Sydney FC home match will come against arch rivals Melbourne Victory on Saturday night, a fixture in which he is Sydney FC’s leading goalscorer of all time with eight goals.
Head Coach Steve Corica praised the contribution Bobô has made to Sydney FC during the four seasons he has played for the club.
“There’s no question Bobô will go down as one of the greatest A-League players of all time,” he said.
“His goalscoring was phenomenal.
“He is still a danger in the box, he has that fabulous ability to be in the right place at the right time and he has scored some very vital goals for us.
“He is a Sydney FC legend and we wish him well in his future career.
“It would be fantastic for our Members and fans to send him off with a bang on Saturday.”
Sydney FC’s match against Melbourne Victory this Saturday is a not to be missed event as the club says Farewell to Jubilee Stadium and with tickets from $10 each.
