Sibon to join Aloisi and Skoko in Melbourne Heart send-off

Melbourne Heart will now say goodbye to three of its experienced players with the announcement that Gerald Sibon will also leave after Saturday’s final match of their debut season.

The 37-year old Dutchman will join striker John Aloisi and midfielder Josip Skoko in playing their last A-League matches when the Heart host Sydney FC at AAMI Park.

Sibon was a key to the moderate success of the freshman club, scoring seven times and producing five assists in 25 appearances after arriving from Dutch club Heerenveen.

Heart coach John van ‘t Schip thanked his fellow countryman for his presence at the club and praised him for the work he had done with the more inexperienced players.

“We were very happy with Gerald’s input and the important role he played in our first year as a start-up club,” van ‘t Schip said.

“His experience was invaluable in mentoring the younger players.

“Gerald’s vision, touch and ability to draw others into the game were fantastic and the club has been pleased with his contribution. Throughout his time at Heart, he showed just why he was able to have such a successful career in Europe.”