Bruno Fornaroli's time at Perth Glory has come to an abrupt end after the club agreed to release the star striker from the final season of his A-League Men contract.
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Fornaroli played the first two games this season before being frozen out for last week's 2-1 win over Central Coast in confusing circumstances.
Perth initially said Fornaroli wasn't part of the squad due to injury, but the 35-year-old hit back on social media by saying he was 100 per cent fit and available.
The Glory held a meeting on Friday where Fornaroli's departure was agreed upon, and chief executive Anthony Radich believes the right decision has been made.
"It is a difficult decision for both parties, but such decisions have to be made as we continue to rebuild the club," Radich said in a statement.
"Moving forward, Bruno's departure means we have an opportunity to strengthen the squad when the transfer window reopens in January and we fully intend to do so."
Fornaroli has been linked with a move to Melbourne Victory under coach Tony Popovic.
Popovic, who coached Fornaroli during his time at Perth, played a straight bat when asked about the rumours on Friday.
"I'm not aware of those rumours. I'm not aware of that (talks)," Popovic said.
"But I think rumours will always exist and if you're a big club, then you'll always be linked, I guess, with big players.
"From my point of view, yes, it's just a rumour."
If Fornaroli does move to the Victory, he won't be able to play until January's transfer window.
Fornaroli's 82 goals in 142 games places him fifth on the ALM's all-time goalscoring list.
Only Besart Berisha (142 goals), Jamie Maclaren (124), Shane Smeltz (92), and Archie Thompson (90) sit above him.
Fornaroli made his Socceroos debut earlier this year, but he suffered a serious ankle injury while on national duty and his pre-season for the current ALM campaign was affected.
Perth coach Ruben Zadkovich was evasive when asked about the Fornaroli situation on Friday morning before the striker's departure was officially announced.
Zadkovich was particularly cagey when asked whether the reason why Fornaroli wasn't playing was so that it wouldn't trigger a contract extension.
"I didn't really come down here this morning to talk about contracts with players or speculation," Zadkovich said.
"I'm not really interested, I'm just focused on the players we've got and the performance this weekend.
"Of course I understand (the interest). It's my job to understand. But it's also my job to focus on the performance."
Fornaroli said Glory's members and fans would always retain a special place in his heart.
"I would like to thank the club for resolving this situation with me quickly and effectively and wish the players and staff all the very best for the future," Fornaroli said in a statement.
Perth are back in action on Sunday when they take on Adelaide United at Coopers Stadium.
Australian Associated Press
