Brisbane Roar can confirm striker Charlie Austin has agreed to a mutual termination of his contract for family related reasons.
The 32-year-old said his decision to head back to the United Kingdom wasn’t an easy one, but his family’s interests need to come first at this time.
“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.
“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 to go back to the UK.”
The former Queens Park Rangers striker joined the Roar in July 2022 making his debut in the same month, coming on as a substitute against Aston Villa in the Queensland Champions Cup in Townsville.
He went on to play 10 matches across the Australia Cup and Isuzu UTE A-League where he scored five goals.
Head Coach Warren Moon said Austin has been instrumental both on and off the pitch for the club.
“The impact Charlie has had on the club in such a short time is outstanding,” he said.
“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.”
Austin thanked Brisbane Roar fans for supporting his family and himself while playing for the Club.
“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,” he said.
“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.”
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.
The Roar head south to take on a Newcastle Jets side that recently won the F3 derby this Friday.
Further, Brisbane Roar wishes to assure its members and fans that regardless of Charlie Austin’s departure the club has already been making plans to recruit further attacking stocks in the January transfer window.
The Isuzu UTE A-League squad will be back at home on Friday 23 December to face Western Sydney Wanderers at Kayo Stadium. Tickets are on sale now at Ticketek.
