Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
AAP
AAP
Sport
Justin Chadwick and Anna Harrington

Glory cut ties with ALM striker Fornaroli

Striker Bruno Fornaroli has left the Glory after three A-League Men seasons in Perth. (Trevor Collens/AAP PHOTOS) (AAP)

Bruno Fornaroli's time at Perth Glory has come to an abrupt end after the club agreed to release the star striker from the final season of his A-League Men contract.

Fornaroli played the first two games this season before being frozen out for last week's 2-1 win over Central Coast in confusing circumstances.

Perth initially said Fornaroli wasn't part of the squad due to injury, but the 35-year-old hit back on social media by saying he was 100 per cent fit and available.

The Glory held a meeting on Friday where Fornaroli's departure was agreed upon, and chief executive Anthony Radich believes the right decision has been made.

"It is a difficult decision for both parties, but such decisions have to be made as we continue to rebuild the club," Radich said in a statement.

"Moving forward, Bruno's departure means we have an opportunity to strengthen the squad when the transfer window reopens in January and we fully intend to do so."

Fornaroli has been linked with a move to Melbourne Victory under coach Tony Popovic.

Popovic, who coached Fornaroli during his time at Perth, played a straight bat when asked about the rumours on Friday.

"I'm not aware of those rumours. I'm not aware of that (talks)," Popovic said.

"But I think rumours will always exist and if you're a big club, then you'll always be linked, I guess, with big players.

"From my point of view, yes, it's just a rumour."

If Fornaroli does move to the Victory, he won't be able to play until January's transfer window.

Fornaroli's 82 goals in 142 games places him fifth on the ALM's all-time goalscoring list.

Only Besart Berisha (142 goals), Jamie Maclaren (124), Shane Smeltz (92), and Archie Thompson (90) sit above him.

Fornaroli made his Socceroos debut earlier this year, but he suffered a serious ankle injury while on national duty and his pre-season for the current ALM campaign was affected.

Perth coach Ruben Zadkovich was evasive when asked about the Fornaroli situation on Friday morning before the striker's departure was officially announced.

Zadkovich was particularly cagey when asked whether the reason why Fornaroli wasn't playing was so that it wouldn't trigger a contract extension.

"I didn't really come down here this morning to talk about contracts with players or speculation," Zadkovich said.

"I'm not really interested, I'm just focused on the players we've got and the performance this weekend.

"Of course I understand (the interest). It's my job to understand. But it's also my job to focus on the performance."

Fornaroli said Glory's members and fans would always retain a special place in his heart.

"I would like to thank the club for resolving this situation with me quickly and effectively and wish the players and staff all the very best for the future," Fornaroli said in a statement.

Perth are back in action on Sunday when they take on Adelaide United at Coopers Stadium.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.