Socceroos striker Jamie Maclaren says it will be “bittersweet” to leave Melbourne City after a hugely successful season in the A-League Men.
The competition’s top scorer has not yet announced where he will play next season.
But Maclaren announced on Tuesday his imminent departure from City, which will face arch-rivals Melbourne Victory in a knockout final on Sunday.
“It is a bittersweet moment for me to leave the club I have called home for the last five and a half years,” he said in a statement.
“I am incredibly proud of what I have been able to achieve here, both personally and as a team.
“I came here to help make this club successful and I leave knowing that I played my part in that, where together we have created so many great memories and shared so much success.”
Maclaren’s City career has been highlighted by four Golden Boots and six trophies, including three Premierships and one Championship.
McLaren’s all-time ALM goal record is 154, including 115 in 163 appearances for City. He was also captain of the club.
City director of football Michael Petrillo described the 30-year-old as a “legend”.
“Jamie embodies everything we stand for as a club,” Petrillo said.
“He has been an exceptional footballer for us and an exceptional role model for his teammates and young fans.
“On the field, his name will remain in the record books forever.
“Not only is he the leading scorer in league history, but he also made a tremendous contribution to our men’s team during its most successful period.
“Jamie leaves City as a legend.”
Born in Sunbury, Victoria, 15-year-old Maclaren tried out for Blackburn Rovers in England but was released in 2013 after four years without a senior appearance.
Maclaren joined Perth Glory and had stints at Brisbane Roar and in Germany and Scotland before joining Melbourne City as a marquee in 2019.
AAP
Aware