MELBOURNE Victory has confirmed that Marco Rojas has quit to pursue a career in Europe, although his next destination remains unclear.
Overseas scouts have been attending Victory matches all season to watch the 21-year-old, whose 15 goals and nine assists saw him claim Monday night’s Johnny Warren medal and became the first player since Mark Viduka to win the main award and the young (under-21) player of the year award in the same season.
Rojas will leave on a free transfer, meaning the club will merely receive training compensation of around $180,000.
The Kiwi’s mind has been made up for weeks, although he only hinted at the move after the semi-final loss to the Mariners.
“When I get back I'll speak to my dad and we'll sort that out and I'm sure there will be some news coming out soon,'' Rojas told the Herald Sun.
Coach Ange Postecoglou passed on his best wishes to Rojas having had a successful season together.
"We wish Marco all the best as he continues on his very impressive football journey," Postecoglou said.
"While we would have loved to have seen him stay here at Melbourne Victory for a little longer, we knew we couldn't stand in the way of his European ambitions.
"He's rightly attracted plenty of attention around the globe for his efforts this year.’’
Rojas’ final commitment as a Melbourne player will be attending the Victory Medal night on April 26.
Rojas's veteran strike partner Archie Thompson didn't seem too upset by the news, tweeting the following a few minutes after the club's announcement:
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