Hearts favorite Ryan McGowan is leaving Sydney FC for an overseas club.
The Australian international has spent the last two years in his homeland and won his place back in the national squad.
But the 2012 Scottish Cup winner is moving on after accepting a lucrative contract offer in the Middle East.
McGowan came through the youth ranks at Tynecastle and earned legendary status by scoring the fourth goal in the 5-1 Scottish Cup final win over Hibs at Hampden.
A big money move to China followed before spells with Dundee United and Dundee either side of a return to the Chinese Super League.
He then opted to return to the country of his birth to join Sydney, where he faced off against younger brother and former Hearts teammate Dylan in several Sydney derbies, with McGowan Jnr playing for city rivals Western Sydney Wanderers.
“Coming back to Australia and playing and winning trophies for Sydney FC has been everything I hoped it would be,” he said.
“My aim was to win things and to get back in the Socceroos squad and I have achieved both.
“I can’t thank the club, our players and staff and most importantly our Members enough for this opportunity and I’d love to come back one day.”
Head Coach Steve Corica admitted the club tried to keep the defender.
“Ryan has done extremely well for us and we wanted him to stay,” he explained.
“But he has an offer which will set his family up, so we understand his decision.
“We will miss him but we wish Ryan and his family all the very best with the move.”
McGowan made 53 appearances in Sky Blue, scoring the one goal for the club on his A-League debut against Adelaide United in round one of season 2019/20.
