Adama Traore has departed Melbourne Victory to chase his dream of playing professionally in Europe.
The 24-year old Ivory Coast-born defender has ended a successful two-year spell with the Victory to make the move overseas after spending the past five years in Australia.
Traore, who became an Australian citizen in April this year, was grateful to the Victory for what they did for him during his time in Melbourne but suggested the chance to head to Europe was something he couldn't turn down.
"I have loved every minute that I have been at Melbourne Victory," the former Gold Coast United left-back said.
"While I would like to have stayed at the club next season, the opportunity to play in Europe is too good for me to pass up.
"I'd like to thank (Victory coach) Kevin (Muscat), my teammates and all the staff at the club for everything they have done for me.
"I'd also like to say a big thank you to the fans who have made playing for Melbourne very, very special and even though I am looking forward to the next stage of my career I'm certainly going to miss playing here."
Traore, who has represented Ivory Coast at U20 level, made a total of 52 appearances for the Victory over two seasons.
