Wellington Phoenix striker Jeremy Brockie will join South African club SuperSport United in January.
Brockie, 27, today signed a two-and-a-half-year contract that includes a one-year option with the Pretoria based club after completing a medical.
Phoenix head coach Ernie Merrick said Brockie was leaving the club with his blessing.
“I was keen to keep him till the end of the year but the offer he received from SuperSport was too good to refuse,” Merrick said.
“He has been a good servant to the Phoenix and I wasn’t going to stand in his way.
“I wish him all the best in his new venture.”
Brockie said from Pretoria this morning that the deal he had been offered by SuperSport was too good to turn down at this stage of his career.
“Knowing that my contract was up at the end of the season I had a chat with Ernie before the season began,” Brockie said.
“I feel it was time to find a new challenge and I have always wanted to play overseas.
“While I have played for clubs across the Tasman Australia doesn’t count as overseas to a New Zealander.
“The contract will take me up to the 2018 World Cup and hopefully I can continue playing well enough to keep my place in the All Whites.”
Brockie said the move would give him security for the future and it was a great opportunity.
“It is a new adventure for the whole family and (wife) Jes is as excited about it as I am,” he said.
“The kids (Piper and Oscar) are of pre-school age and they will learn things in a different country and culture.”
While excited about the move Brockie said he was sad to be leaving the Phoenix.
“I’ve loved every moment at the Phoenix and the players are a great bunch of boys,” he said.
“I will miss them all and I have a feeling they will do something special this season.”
Brockie will join the Phoenix team in Australia for Saturday’s game against the Newcastle Jets.
