Adelaide United can officially announce the departure of defender, Tarek Elrich, after five successful years in South Australia.
During his time in Adelaide, Elrich managed to accumulate three pieces of silverware in 114 appearances for the Reds in all competitions, including two AFC Champions League campaigns.
Elrich was part of the Club’s inaugural FFA Cup in 2014, before being a crucial part in United’s 2016/17 Premiership and Championship double.
His consistent domestic performances also earned the 31-year-old a Caltex Socceroos call-up in 2015 and he has since earned a total of three caps for the national team.
Whilst being a revered full-back league-wide, Elrich’s prowess offensively saw him bag three outstanding goals over his time as the Club’s No. 21, most notably his Round 27 goal against Melbourne City in the 2014/15 season which was crowned the Hyundai A-League’s greatest goal that campaign.
Elrich was also the recipient of the Club’s Remo Paris Club Person of the Year award (formerly known as the Best Team Man award) for the 2014/15 and 2015/16 seasons, evidence of his dedication to the Club.
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Reflecting on his time with Adelaide, Elrich said he was thankful to the Club for the opportunities it gave him, also saying it will be hard to leave his second home.
“I feel like I’ve achieved so much here at Adelaide United and had some of my greatest moments of my career with the Club,” he said.
“Obviously winning the inaugural FFA Cup with a great bunch of boys… and then to go on to win the double and play my bit that season I think that’s something special.
“I’ve made some great friends in Adelaide, it’s a great town. The people here are great, not to mention the Adelaide United fans as well – the Red Army especially.
“From day one they’ve been very supportive and I’d like to thank them for always being there for me.
“They’ll always hold a special part in my heart.”
Adelaide United Head Coach, Marco Kurz, wished Elrich the best for the rest of his career and thanked him for his dedication to the Club.
“Tarek has been a very dedicated servant to this Club for a long period of time and this is something very special for us,” Kurz said.
“His presence in the Club will definitely be missed, but we wish him all the best for his future.”
Everyone involved with Adelaide United thanks Tarek for his invaluable contribution to the Club’s history and we wish him all the best for his future.
Tarek will always be a member of the Reds’ family.
