The Wellington Phoenix would like to thank Oskar Zawada for his contribution to the club.
The Polish striker confirmed his departure on Instagram at the end of his two-year contract, saying “it’s time to say goodbye to all of you”.
Zawada arrived in Wellington in August 2022 as a relatively unproven prospect and leaves as the team’s sixth highest goal scorer, scoring 22 goals in 40 A-League matches.
He found the back of the net 15 times in the 2022-23 A-League to claim the men’s golden boot award as well as being crowned the men’s player of the year, and the players’, members’ and media player of the year.
Although injuries limited his involvement last season Zawada still scored seven goals, including the unforgettable 99th minute equaliser against Melbourne Victory in the semi-final second leg at Sky Stadium.
“Wellington Phoenix will always be in my heart and I will always remember what we have done together during the last two season and what a big bond we created,” Zawada posted on Instagram. “I have a lot of love to all of you.
“I don’t think that I can describe it in simpler words. I would like to thank all Yellow Fever fans for your support, as well as my wonderful teammates who always believed in me and with whom we built this great team day after day.
“Especially I would like to thank my first coach Ufuk Talay for giving me a chance at this club and helping me day by day to become the striker I am today.
“Now it’s time for me to move on and take new challenges, but I can guarantee you one thing…
my heart will always be connected with this country, city, club and fans. Thank you for all these beautiful moments.
“I will always remember all those amazing chants in Sky Stadium you sang for me and especially the crazy atmosphere in the stadium you created when I scored the equaliser in 99th minute in the play offs.”
The Wellington Phoenix and our fans will never forget you Oz. All the best in the future.
