Oxford United winger Ryan Williams has left the club and returned to Australia to sign for Perth Glory for an undisclosed fee.
The 28-year-old joined the U’s for a second time last summer and scored ten times from 78 outings over the two spells.
But, having been in England since he was a teenager, the Australian felt the time was right to return home.
Speaking to the club’s official website, he said: “I have loved my time in English football, particularly with Oxford where the gaffer, the players and the fans have been incredible.
“It’s a very special football club and that made my decision really difficult, but this is an unbelievable chance for me and my family and I am really looking forward to a new challenge.
“I have been in England for 12 years now and because of lockdown, I hadn’t seen my family for three years, during which time I have had a little family of my own.
“When I heard of Perth’s interest I was flattered, not just because they are a club with really strong ambitions but because I grew up there; both my brothers (Rhys and Aryn) have played for the club.
“To play for my hometown club surrounded by family and friends who can come and watch me every week is something I’ve never had.
“My wife is English and we talked it through and realised we may never get an opportunity like this ever again.
“I want to thank the gaffer, who has such strong family values and fully understood what moving home meant to me, but I also want to thank all of the staff and fans for looking after me and making my time in Oxford so unforgettable.
“We may be half a world away pretty soon but I’ll certainly be wishing the club every success for the season ahead.”
U’s boss Karl Robinson added: “Willo has been amazing for us.
“He is an outstanding individual, one of the brightest lads I’ve coached, and he has been very honest and clear about this move, as you would expect from him.
It’s a wonderful adventure for him and for his young family and he leaves on the best of terms with our best wishes for the future.”
