Championship-winning midfielder Louis Verstraete has departed Auckland FC to return to Belgium for personal and family reasons, with the club receiving an undisclosed transfer fee.
The Belgian leaves Auckland after two trophy-laden seasons in which he helped the Black Knights win both the Premiers Plate and Championship, while establishing himself as one of the competition’s premier midfielders.
Verstraete arrived in New Zealand ahead of Auckland’s inaugural campaign, marking the first move abroad of his career after previously playing exclusively in Belgium.
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The central midfielder quickly became a key figure under former Head Coach Steve Corica, earning the club’s MVP award last season and a place in the PFA Team of the Season after two dominant campaigns in Black and Blue.
“I have enjoyed my time here in Auckland; the fans, coaches and my teammates welcomed me with open arms,” Verstraete said in a message to the club’s support.
“I’m incredibly sad to leave, but some things in life are sadly bigger than football.
“Being involved in the first game in a club’s history was special for me, and adding two trophies along with it has made my time in Auckland an experience I will never forget.”
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Auckland FC Director of Football Terry McFlynn paid tribute to the influential midfielder and acknowledged his contribution to the club’s historic first two seasons.
“He was a standout in the middle of the park for us and a huge part of our success in the first two seasons,” says McFlynn.
“While it’s disappointing to lose Louis, we fully understand his family situation, and we wish him all the very best for the future. Louis will forever be a massive part of our club’s history.”
Verstraete will return to Belgium to spend time with family and friends as he considers the next step in his career.
Verstraete is the 10th player to have departed Auckland over the course of the off-season following the likes of first team stars Jesse Randall, Guillermo May and Dan Hall, whilst Jake Girdwood-Reich’s exit was confirmed following the end of his loan spell.
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Meanwhile the Black Knights are still searching for a new Head Coach following the departure of Championship winner Steve Corica, who moved to Japan to take charge of J1 League side Yokohama F. Marinos.
While they are no longer allowed to compete in the Australia Cup due to rule changes made by Football Australia, Auckland FC do have glamour pre-season clash with Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur to look forward to.
The Black Knights face Spurs on Sunday, July 26 at Eden Park.
