Neyder Moreno of Auckland FC shoots during the A-League Men Round 14 match between Adelaide United and Auckland FC. Photo: AAP / www.photosport.nz
Auckland FC's import midfielder Neyder Moreno will not be with the A-League club next season.
The Colombian signed with Auckland in October after not being with a club since the middle of 2024.
He played 24 games for Auckland including Saturday's loss to Melbourne Victory.
The 28-year-old had scored eight goals in the regular season.
Moreno wrote on social media in Spanish that he was following "a different path" and moving on from Auckland FC.
"With a lump in my throat, but with great gratitude, today I have to say good-bye to this team that has been like a second family to me," he wrote.
"We've shared many hours in training, matches, trips, and moments that go far beyond football. I learned to fight, to get up after each fall, to enjoy victories and learn from defeats, always with you by my side.
"I'm taking with me great memories, sincere friendships, and a deep respect for each and every one of you. Thank you for making me part of this group, for believing in me, for pushing me to be better on and off the field.
"Today it's time for me to follow a different path, but I will always carry the team's colours in my heart. I hope you continue to grow, that you never lose your passion, and that you continue giving your all in every game, as we always did."
Coach Steve Corica said post-match on Saturday Moreno and New Zealand midfielder Luis Toomey were two players who were not signed.
Next season the A-League will start introducing a salary cap that sets spending limits and reduce the number of players who sit outside the salary cap.
Next season a $A3.5 million hard cap trial would be put in place, followed in season 2026/27 by a hard cap of $A3m, plus one marquee player whose salary sits outside the cap.
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