Football: Wellington Phoenix part ways with Gui Finkler

Gui Finkler. Photo / Getty Images.

Brazilian playmaker Gui Finkler has parted ways with the Wellington Phoenix Football Club.

Two weeks after he was substituted and then left Westpac Stadium before the end of his side's A-League loss to the Mariners, Finkler has left the football club altogether.

The decision has come by mutual consent.

The Brazilian, who played 28 games for the club, scoring seven goals, never held down a spot in coach Darije Kalezic's starting XI and struggled to produce his best under the new coach.

His departure frees up space on the Phoenix roster for a new overseas player.

Phoenix General Manager David Dome expressed his disappointment that it hadn't worked out for the talented Brazilian but also his gratitude.

"Gui is the type of player every club loves to have, both on and off the field," said Dome. "As our marquee signing we had very high expectations with Gui.

"We've been blessed with a wealth of quality attacking midfielders in recent seasons but the club has to focus on balance across the whole playing roster.

"We've had some big conversations internally at the club in recent weeks and as disappointed as we are to see Gui go, it provides an opportunity to strengthen in areas we're less well-resourced."

For Finkler it's a bittersweet moment, but the Brazilian is looking forward to the next chapter of a distinguished sixteen-year professional career.

"I've really enjoyed my time in Wellington," said Finkler, "when I arrived I felt really welcomed by the playing group, they're a great bunch of boys with good culture – it's not always easy to find this at clubs.

"Obviously, this season hasn't gone the way I planned, but these things happen sometimes in football. You always want to leave on a high but people who know me know my personality, know that I have always been a good professional.

"The club has been great with me from day one, so I'll look back with happy memories of New Zealand and the Phoenix after my career. For now, I just want to get back to what I love doing."