Melbourne Victory has confirmed that defender Surat Sukha has been released today with immediate effect and will join Thai club, Buriram PEA, after a transfer was negotiated with the Bangkok based club.
Sukha, 28, was given permission to return home to Thailand on compassionate grounds.
The Thailand international made 36 appearances over his two seasons in the Hyundai A-League and another 5 in the clubs most recent AFC Champions League campaign - the same competition which first brought him to Melbourne Victory's attention in 2008.
Melbourne Victory Coach, Mehmet Durakovic, said, "We'd like to thank Surat for his tremendous contribution over the past two seasons and wish him well in the future.
"Surat was hugely popular among the playing group and very quickly became an important part of our set-up due to his competitive nature and versatility at both the left and right-hand side of defence.
"The massive cultural differences between Thailand and Australia made it difficult for his family to settle here in Melbourne, and as a result we reluctantly agreed to transfer him to Buriram PEA." Durakovic added.
Sukha, who farewelled his former team mates after this morning's training session, thanked the club for their support, "I enjoyed my time at Melbourne Victory, but it was in the best interests of my family that I return home to Thailand.
"I made some very good friends here in Melbourne and I wish the club every success in the future." he added.
