Gao, 28, is understood to have stormed out on the club while Phoenix were in Australia ahead of the Sydney game a fortnight ago.

Club officials said at the time the former New Zealand Knight had left the squad as a result of an injury.

However it is understood he flew home to consider his options and was rumoured then to have done an 'Edmundo Zura', after the Jets marquee star quit the club and flew home to Ecuador.

However he re-appeared in the Phoenix paddock after club officials are believed to have read the riot act to the star.

One insider admitted Gao had been told "to improve his attitude quicksmart...'

Gao was back in training last week but today Phoenix confirmed he had been sacked by the club.

Phoenix CEO Tony Pignata said the club had worked hard to help Gao settle in.

He added: “As a club we did everything in our power to accommodate his needs.

"However, it got to the point where it was clear to us that we could no longer work with him and it was decided to let him go to pursue other opportunities.”