Following his official departure from Adelaide United, home-grown talent and fan-favourite, Osama Malik, has left a touching final message to the Club’s supporters.
It was officially announced on Saturday that local South Australian and fan-favourite, Osama Malik, was leaving Adelaide United.
Forever humble and grateful, Malik said his departure from United wasn’t without a heavy heart, as the most memorable moments in his career have come whilst being a Reds player.
“All of my greatest memories in football have been in an Adelaide United shirt,” Malik said. “Out of all of them, I think making my debut in the FIFA Club World Cup as an 18-year-old is one that’s at the top of the pile.
“There’s been a whole lot of highs and, of course, there have been a number of lows as well. With any change comes growth and at 25 years of age, it’s time for me to grow a bit more as a person and this is an opportunity for me to do that.
“I’m very sad to leave the group because the players, the coaches, the staff, the volunteers of the Club, and the fans, everyone has been incredible.”
Malik, who made over 100 appearances and scored two goals for his home town club, also mentioned just how inspirational the United fans were in the early days of his career, and didn’t shy away from expressing his sadness in not being able to play in front of the Reds’ fans each week.
“The fans, in particular, have always been amazing towards me. As an 18-year-old kid, when I first came into the first team, I always felt welcomed and felt supported and liked.
“The fans gave me belief in myself and my football and helped me train hard to play every week.
“I know I’m going to miss playing in front of them every week, which is definitely going to be one of the saddest parts about all of this.”
“I honestly wish all the best for the boys at United and for everyone at the Club because they deserve success, but I don’t think that’s too far away.”
