Brisbane Roar’s marquee signing Charlie Austin will play his final game for the club on Friday after being granted a release from his A-League Men contract.
Austin, who signed for the Roar from English Championship side Queens Park Rangers, will play his final game in Friday’s away fixture against Newcastle Jets.
The 33-year-old ex-Premier League forward scored two Isuzu UTE A-League goals in his six-game stint for the Roar and said personal reasons were behind his decision to leave Australia.
“It was a tough decision; football is a selfish career… and I made a selfish decision to try something new to come over here, give a new experience to the wife and kids,” Austin said in a statement.
“We’ve enjoyed our time here. However, our eldest daughter is back home going through exams, and I just feel for myself and for the family the best thing is to go back to the UK.”
Austin added: “To the fans, I want to say a big thank you for the way you’ve embraced me, my wife and kids so I can’t ask for much more.
“Keep supporting the lads, have faith in the manager and it won’t be long until the tide turns, and Brisbane get back to where they belong.”
Formerly of Swindon Town, Burnley, QPR, Southampton and West Brom, Austin scored four goals across all competitions having bagged a pair of goals in the Australia Cup.
Austin also featured in an episode of A-Leagues All Access earlier this season – an episode that made worldwide headlines following his heated half-time exchange with team-mate Connor Chapman during a loss to Melbourne City.
“The impact Charlie has had on the club in such a short time is outstanding,” said Roar head coach Warren Moon.
“He has been supportive of all players on the team from our senior players down to our youth.
“We know with Charlie’s departure it will leave a big hole, but we understand it would’ve been a difficult decision for Charlie to make to move back to the UK.
“We fully support his decision and wish him all the best in his future endeavours.”
In a statement, the Roar concluded: “Brisbane Roar wishes to thank Charlie for his contribution to the club and wish him and his family well in their future endeavours.
“Charlie and his family will always be welcome at Brisbane Roar and will always be regarded as one with the Brisbane Roar family.”
