Wellington Phoenix defender Manny Muscat will leave the club at season's end, after signing a two-year contract with Melbourne City.
The 31-year-old has made 165 appearances for the Phoenix since making his debut in 2008.
The Melbourne-born Maltese international, said he his decision to move clubs was based around being closer to family.
“Rebecca is expecting our third child on July 2 and we decided it was time to move back to the family,” Muscat said.
“In the A-League you travel every second week and it will be good for Becks to have her family around her.
“We also have a house there waiting to be lived in so the move will be easy.
“I never expected to be at the club for eight seasons but I have enjoyed every moment and made some real good friends.”
Coach Ernie Merrick said Muscat will be missed both on and off the field.
“He is a man of action, hard on the field, but get him off it and he is the perfect gentleman,” Merrick said.
“Manny has been a valuable player for our club because he can play any position in the backline and do it well and is also a very good holding midfield player.
“He is an all-round good quality player, a great competitor and good on-field leader; always committed at training and happy to do community work for the club.
“We will miss him but he goes with our best wishes and I wish him well in his new venture.”
