The Wellington Phoenix have lost another player from their roster with club stalwart Andrew Durante confirming his departure.
37 year old Durante announced his departure on social media yesterday, with the A-League club confirming the details overnight.
Durante joined Wellington Phoenix in 2008 from Newcastle Jets and went on to become the club captain and make a record number of appearances.
He made 273 appearances for the club, with 11 of those in a Finals Series.
The player added to his many career accolades and cemented his place in history as a Hyundai A-League legend by achieving 300 league appearances, a league record, against the Central Coast Mariners in January 2019.
Wellington Phoenix Chairman, Rob Morrison, thanked the long-serving Captain on his legacy and service to the club.
"It goes without saying that Andrew will be missed.
"His leadership, determination, and fight for the club shirt has been unrivalled and he has been a huge contributing factor to the success the club has seen over the years.
"He leaves a legacy, one that will stay with the club and the fans of the club for years to come.
"While we discussed both playing and management options for Andrew this year and beyond, we understand his reasons for calling time here at the Wellington Phoenix.
"As we say goodbye to Andrew, we must also say thank you to Sarah Durante for her support and friendship with everyone at the club, including past and present families who made the move to Wellington.''
Durante said the decision to leave Wellington was the hardest of his career.
"Obviously this decision was an extremely hard one, one that I wrestled with for many nights but I felt the time is right for me and my family to move on and experience something new, and face new challenges together.
''I have given everything I could possibly have given to the football club both on and off the pitch and I feel now it's time for someone else to help guide this club forward.
''I've had some of the best moments of my life whilst playing for this club and I wish it all the success in the future.
''There are so many people to thank during my time at the club for the past 11 years.
''Rob Morrison and the Welnix ownership, thank you for your support and efforts both towards me personally and this club.
''All the staff and players that have come and gone, thank you for your friendship and for making my time at the football club so enjoyable.
''Last but not least, the fans and people of this city, thank you for accepting me as one of your own.
''We have ridden many highs and lows together but your support throughout for myself and my family has been nothing short of incredible.
''Thank you."
Born in Australia, Durante switched allegiances to New Zealand in 2013 and went on to play 24 internationals for the All Whites.
Stuff have reported that Durante will link up with former Phoenix coach Mark Rudan at the newly established Western United in Melbourne.
Since Rudan's long expected departure was confirmed, the Phoenix have suffered an exodus of players, including 2019 A-league player of the season Roy Krishna and star striker David Williams.
While this is the third player to depart the Phoenix, the club have signed All Whites goalkeeper Stefan Marinovic and Australian defender Walter Scott.