Melbourne Victory have granted a compassionate release to A-League goalkeeper Danny Vukovic, who is relocating to Sydney FC so he can care for his sick child in his hometown.
Vukovic, released from the final two years of his contract with Victory, has signed a two-year deal with the Sky Blues.
His young son Harley requires a liver transplant, and 31-year-old Vukovic was eager to seek a treatment course in Sydney for greater family support.
“Last season was very difficult off the field for me and my family, and the best decision for us at this time is to be closer to our extended family in Sydney,” Vukovic said.
“This was a very difficult decision for me to make, because I thoroughly enjoyed the time I had at Melbourne Victory.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to represent Victory and I would like to thank everyone at the club and the fans, who have given me unbelievable support.”
Vukovic joined Victory in 2015 as coach Kevin Muscat’s No.1 gloveman but lost his spot over the course of the season to 2015 grand final-winning keeper Lawrence Thomas.
At Sydney – his fifth A-League club – he will compete with first-choice custodian Vedran Janjetovic for the No.1 spot, under the guidance of respected goalkeeper coach John Crawley.
“I want to test myself and the competition for places and professionalism on offer at Sydney FC is second to none,” said Vukovic, who will link up with his new teammates on Friday.
“Vedran is a fantastic goalkeeper. I believe we can push each other to our peak.”
Vukovic’s departure from Victory means Thomas, 24, is set to start the season as first-choice goalkeeper for the first time.
Mark
Guest
Would never expect any better from a fl0g from the terrace.
Kaks
Roar Guru
Good luck to him and hopefully all goes well on and off the field. He is a top goalkeeper and by all accounts a top person. Does this mean that Vedran has lost the No. 1 jersey at SFC?
Kaks
Roar Guru
Out of order, mate.
Realfootball
Guest
He's a damned good keeper. I think some people should step back and imagine what he and his family have been going through. To say a liver transplant for a young child is far from ideal is an understatement. It's desperate, last ditch stuff that means a lifetime on immuno suppressants, with all sorts of ramifications. I can only wish Danny and his family the best. I hope Sydney FC works out for him.
Punter
Guest
Pacman, yes, I thought Vukovic was one of the top GK when Victory brought him. It clearly explains his season that was clearly not up to his standard.
Punter
Guest
Hey Mid, I can't imagine what a difficult time that would be for you & your wife. Glad all went well.. I agree social media breeds so many negative fears!!!!
Midfielder
Guest
Punter I think more shows how social media works.... with many on social media their personal issue is greater than any collective good... Examples of whats expected today by some is totally out of left field.... good example I was talking to the Mariners CEO the other day... I met him in the local shops and he twitted the trail match between our first side and the youth side... He was abused for not putting it on youtube and streaming it.... I asked what that cost and he said about $2, 500.00 with one camera ... he then told me last year when we did stream he was abused for the following, only having one camera, not having a broadcaster, and the lighting at some fields needed improving ... putting the coverage asked by some 3 to 4 cameras, two broadcaster a panel guy to stream the best camera shot close to $ 25, 000.00 done on the cheap. For about six months one of my boys was very ill as a baby.... he is Ok today and has lived a very normal life but for about six months it was touch and go... Its impossible to describe the impact on you almost like trying to explain the colour blue to a blind person.. They are so small and so reliant on you and you are almost a bystander ... it invades every second of your day .... how I got through work especially as we were overseas and I had a very demanding position ... My mother in law came over to help ... I honestly don't think my wife has ever quite recovered she still has a kinda fear she holds for him even though he is in his 30's with a good job and very healthy... But social media today is all about the me and now for many which is sad.
pacman
Guest
Agree 100% Punter. Our "friend" melbourneterrace is out of order. Danny Vukovic's performances would have naturally been adversely affected by his son's health challenges. melbourneterrace has only one escape route - acknowledging that he was not aware of the huge family health issue confronting Vukovic.
Punter
Guest
Read the article, "Last season was very difficult off the field for me and my family". Geez if some people just had just an ounce of compassion!!!
Josh
Guest
Unfortunately his best performance was in the 1-1 draw against WSW. He saved Victory that night but couldn't replicate it.
melbourneterrace
Guest
"Compassionate release" He's been a dead man walking ever since his terrible performances started at the start of the season and then later getting replaced by the much better and less cap heavy Lawrence Thomas. It would be compassionate if we actually wanted to hold onto him.
Midfielder
Guest
I hope all turns out all right for Danny and his family it is terrible feeling when one of your children is extremely ill... kinda gets inside your guts and having your extended family around does help. Good luck to Danny with the battles he will now face .... he was a very decent young man at the Mariners and we have always held him in high regard and with respect. Hope he gets either SFC or comes back to us.