Daniel Penha will depart Western United after one of the great individual seasons in the A-League men’s club’s history, with the Brazilian opting to play closer to home due to family reasons.
The 25-year-old played the 2023-24 season on loan at Western United from Atletico Mineiro, recording seven goals and three assists in 22 appearances.
Conversations had been ongoing throughout the off-season to extend Penha’s stay, however due to personal reasons he has made the difficult decision to remain closer to Brazil
Penha said the joy he has had in representing the green and black will remain with him forever.
“I would like to say thank you. Thank you to each of you who has always supported me since I arrived at the club,” he said.
“I was very, very happy last season. I’ve enjoyed every single moment we had together. You showed me unforgettable respect and made me and my wife feel at home in Australia.
“Thank you so much for all of your support. I will never forget you. I hope we can meet again in the future and share more beautiful moments.”
Western United football general manager Mal Impiombato said Penha’s effect on the club would remain in the future and insisted the entire green and black family remains behind him.
“As a player and as a person, Daniel has epitomised everything we stand for at Western United and while we have tried our best to keep him at our club, sometimes there are things bigger than football and we are fully supportive of Daniel’s decision to be closer to his family,” he said.
“His talent on the pitch and his infectious positivity and kindness made him a joy to work with, and the impact he had on everyone at our Club will undoubtedly stick for some time.
“Daniel, Larissa and their family will always be welcome back at Western United and on behalf of everyone in our Green and Black family, I send my very best wishes to them for the future.”
