Giraldi, who came to United after a four week stint with the Central Coast Mariners in the 2006/07 finals series, was informed he would not be required at the club beyond his cut off date of June 30 as Adelaide United Coach Aurelio Vidmar plans towards the 2008/09 campaign.

Giraldi will remain with the squad for the group stage of the 2008 AFC Champions League and despite his services not being required beyond the end of June, he is keen to end his tenure with the club on a positive.

“I’ve really enjoyed my time here and I had some bad luck in my first season but I think I’ve taken some steps forward in the last twelve months,” Giraldi said.

“I just have to work out the next step in my future and go from there. For now I’m still contracted until June so I’ll stick by it, do the best I can and if Viddie has me in his plans for the AFC Champions League I will do the best I can.”

Giraldi, who turns 22 next month, made 16 appearances for United since signing for the club in May, 2006. He arrived in Adelaide with big raps having spent time in Italy with Serie A club Empoli.

The Qantas Under 23s and former Young Socceroos member only managed one appearance in his first season as he battled leg related injuries, his one A-League goal coming in Round 10 of the 2007/08 Season in the 4-1 rout of the Wellington Phoenix.

Giraldi’s release from the club follows Dutchman Bobby Petta, who was told 2 weeks ago he will also be let go by the club at the end of June.

Petta made 27 appearances for United but similarly to Giraldi, persistent injuries prevented him from having a significant influence during his time with the Reds, the former Celtic playmaker managing just five appearances this season.

* Adelaide United signed local 18 year old defender Daniel Mullen on a one year contract. Mullen is the cousin of fellow United squad member Matthew Mullen and son of former Socceroo and Adelaide City player Joe Mullen.

The Adelaide-born defender, who is a current member of the Qantas Young Socceroos, will fill one of United’s three under 20 spots in the squad and is seen as a talented future prospect for The Reds.

Mullen was a member of the AIS team which was part of the Victorian Premier League last year, and will front up again this weekend until he is required to report for Pre-Season training with Adelaide in June.

“He has spent time at the Australian Institute of Sport with the Young Socceroos and we think that he has potentially got the ability to take the next step,” United Coach Aurelio Vidmar said.

“For an 18 year old he’s got a good physique and the attitude to succeed at this level.”

Mullen was signed for a week as cover for United’s Round 19 match against the Newcastle Jets this season, and having trained with the squad throughout the second half of the season, he is ecstatic to have landed a contract with United.

Mullen’s signing means he will be available for United’s 2008 AFC Champions League tilt, providing another option in defence along with experienced campaigner Alvin Ceccoli, who has signed with The Reds for the prestigious Asian club competition.