Defeated grand finalists Western Sydney Wanderers have taken their first steps of the offseason toward a fresh assault on next season’s A-League championship after a third decider loss last Sunday.
Six players have departed the club including Dutch flyer Romeo Castelen, who is wanted by Perth Glory and Adelaide United according to FourFourTwo Australia.
The news brings to a conclusion the 33-year-old’s stay at Western Sydney after 44 games and 11 goals. Castelen was involved in the Wanderers’ historic Asian Champins League success in 2014 and represented the club at the FIFA Club World Cup.
Upon departing, Castelen praised the influence of now former coach Tony Popovic on a fruitful spell in Sydney’s west.
“I was happy I could play a big part and show the people in Australia – and especially in Western Sydney – my talent and my ability. To get respect from the fans was unbelievable,” Castelen said.
“It was because of Popa that I came to this club, we worked together for two years and I respect him as a man, a leader and a coach.
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“It’s been a great journey, I really enjoy this club, I enjoyed my time here and now we move on.”
Elsewhere, fellow first team regulars and Spaniards Andreu and Alberto have departed the club after one season as well as Golgol Mebrahtu, Matt Sim and maligned striker Federico Piovaccari. The Italian joined the club as marquee at the beginning of the season, but his time in red and black ultimately proved unsuccessful.
Andreu described Popovic as the best coach he has had in his 14-year career.
“If I think about everything, not just as a footballer but as a person and as a dad, my season at the Wanderers has been the best in my life. Popa has been the best coach of my career,” he said.
“I’m going to miss the atmosphere and my friends in the squad and all the staff. I cannot say just one thing I will miss because everything was close to perfect.”
Wanderers CEO John Tsatsimas said the players would depart the club having left an impression on it.
“The departing players have served this club well and we wish them all the very best in the next chapter of their professional lives,” Tsatsimas said.
“These players helped us get to our third grand final and will be fondly remembered by this club and the fans.”
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