The A-League has lost perhaps its greatest striker after Besart Berisha secured a lucrative move to Japan.
Nearly two months after hinting at a move abroad, the competition’s most prolific scorer has joined J-League leaders Sanfrecce Hiroshima.
It means the 32-year-old won’t see out the remaining season of his deal with Melbourne Victory.
But it also represents a deserved late-career payday for the Kosovo international, who’s dominated the A-League since arriving at Brisbane Roar in 2011.
He moved to Victory in 2014 to win a further two titles under coach Kevin Muscat, including this season’s shock triumph, and leaves with 116 A-League goals and two golden boots over seven seasons.
“I have very mixed emotions right now because I had an amazing time at Victory and in Australia,” Berisha said.
“It’s a little bit sad but in the end it’s the right decision for me to move on at this time.
“I have to thank the fans for always supporting me, not just in the good times but also in the difficult moments. I will always be grateful.”
Berisha’s form has been questioned intermittently during the past two seasons but the polarising marksman nearly always silenced his critics with a rampant display and scored in every one of his five grand finals except 2018.
Berisha’s future has been the source of speculation since May’s season-deciding win over Newcastle, when he strongly intimated a move might be on the cards.
“We are disappointed to be losing a player of Besart’s quality. You could always count on him to step up and deliver in the big games,” Muscat said.
“However, we understand and respect his desire to tackle a new challenge and certainly wish him all the best.”
Waz
Roar Rookie
C’mon, everyone is good enough to play Aussie Rules .... the entry level is set pretty low. As AFLW demonstrated “no prior experience required” ?
hogdriller
Roar Rookie
…….would have been very capable at aussie rules with his high kicks, air swings and diving (simulation as they call it).
Forty three
Guest
This comment has been removed for breaching The Roar's comments policy.
Eamon Stocker
Roar Rookie
Bes never dived though...
Bon
Guest
Legend!!!!! We missed you in Brisbane.
Lionheart
Guest
Thanks Bes. Loved cheering for you at Brisbane, and against you at Victory. You're a champion and all effort, best wishes.
Kangas
Roar Rookie
Brickbats and bouquets His diving won’t be missed , but the goal in the grand final where he tied Sydney fc up in knots was one of the best I’ve seen live.
Oldpsyco
Guest
Move on! past his best, the game needs new talent, not just players moving between clubs.
Waz
Roar Rookie
So long Bes, you have been a magnificent contributor to this league of ours. Thanks for all the memories, there have been many ?