Daniel Penha said he hopes to return to Newcastle Jets in the future as the Brazilian star prepares to take up an “outstanding opportunity” with an Asian powerhouse.
The Jets announced the departure of fan favourite Penha, who took the Isuzu UTE A-League by storm in his first season down under.
Penha, who had been on loan in Newcastle from Brazilian champions Atletico Mineiro, will leave the Hunter Valley for an Asian team still competing in this season’s AFC Champions League.
The 23-year-old playmaker scored four goals in the A-League Men and topped the assists standings with 11 in 23 appearances, while earning All Stars selection for last month’s showdown against LaLiga giants Barcelona.
“Daniel departs the club for an outstanding opportunity that will see him playing in one of Asia’s premier competitions,” said Jets head coach Arthur Papas.
“Although disappointed that he will not be playing for the Jets next season, we completely understand what this opportunity presents for Daniel and his family and can only thank him for representing the Newcastle Jets in a way that had our supporters smiling and on the edge of their seats.”
Across all competitions in 2021-22, Penha scored six goals in 25 games for the Jets, who finished ninth in the ALM and lost in the Australia Cup play-off in November.
“I am sending this message to farewell Newcastle, a club and city that has given me the most happiness that I’ve had in my life,” Penha said in a goodbye message shared by the Jets.
“I want to wholeheartedly thank everyone at the Jets, for the support you gave me and my family.
“Thank you to my team-mates who made me happy every day. Thank you to the fans who cheered me in all the moments. Thank you to the club for opening your doors to me.
“For all these amazing moments I owe a huge amount of gratitude to our coach Arthur Papas for the opportunity but it is much more than just this.
“All the care he showed my family and he especially took time to help me develop and be better as an individual and for the team.
“He helped me develop my career two or three years ahead and I will be eternally grateful to him as a coach and a person.
“The last year has made me a Newcastle Jets fan forever and I hope that one day I am able to come back to Newcastle one day and be happy again.”
