Western United captain Ben Garuccio said he will look back at his time at the club with pride after the most challenging period of his career.
Following the decision to put United’s A-League program in hibernation for 12 months, all the existing players’ contracts were terminated to allow them to take up other opportunities this year.
Garuccio took to social media to share his feelings on what has played out the past few weeks.
“They say professional sport is filled with the highest highs and the lowest of lows, but never in my career would I have imagined something as challenging as this,” he said.
“As I write this message, I’m thinking of all my teammates, staff members and everyone connected to Western United Football Club.
“I arrived at Western United after some of the most challenging years in my career, just wanting to enjoy my football again.
“From the very first moment I felt like I belonged, and what we achieved together in that first season are some of the proudest moments in my career.
“To then be here, such a short time later, facing the reality that the club won’t take part in the upcoming season is something that’s been incredibly hard to process.”
Garuccio said it had been an honour to present the club and lead the group as captain last season.
He said he had been able to meet some incredible humans along the way and created some friendships for a lifetime.
“To the fans, thank you for standing by us through all the highs and lows,” he said. “Your support has meant more than you’ll ever know and I’m so grateful to have shared this journey with you all.
“Although it hurts deeply, I’ll always look back with the pride was what we created together.
“It’s not fair what has happened, but my hope is that every single person connected to this club finds the new opportunities they deserve.”
