Outgoing Melbourne Victory star Leroy George has taken a swipe at the standard of the A-League, while also declaring he won’t be renewing with the club.
George played a pivotal role in the Victory’s championship winning season, scoring nine goals and registering 14 assists on his way to recieving the club's Player of the Season award.
The Dutchman revealed the Victory weren’t prepared to increase the terms of his proposed new deal, and slammed the A-League's level of competition where the eventual champions finished the regular season a whopping 23 points behind Premiers Plate winners Sydney FC.
“In the regular season we ended up as number four with more than twenty points less than the number one,” George told vicesports.nl.
“The players appreciate you automatically if you have qualities. I showed it immediately. If a mediocre football player comes in, of course it works very differently. I quickly found my turn in Australian football.
“With respect for the A-League, but the level is not very high. I made nice goals and given a lot of assists.
“I was greatly appreciated by the players, but unfortunately certain people have not fulfilled their appointments in conversation with my agent,” he added.
“We had agreed that if I would perform well that would also be seen in the next contract.
“The club also wanted to extend, but then just for the same amount. And that after everything I’ve done there last year.”
Despite his criticism of the competition, the 31-year-old has been linked with moves to Sydney FC, the Western Sydney Wanderers and the Victory's cross-town rivals Melbourne City.
UPDATE
Melbourne Victory have confirmed the depature of Leroy George by releasing this club statement.
"Despite the club's best efforts over an extended period of time, the 31-year-old has rejected a substantially improved offer and is instead pursuing other opportunities."