Confirmation of the 29-year-old's departure came on a tough night for Glory after they were bundled out of the FFA Cup at the first hurdle.

In a huge upset, the two-time Cup finalists were defeated 1-0 by semi-pro Victorian side Heidelberg United in Melbourne on Tuesday night.

Speaking on Griffiths departure, club CEO Peter Filopoulos described the defensive midfielder as "an excellent player and a fine leader ".

“On behalf of everyone at Perth Glory, I would like to thank him for the contribution that he has made and wish him all the very best in his future endeavours.”

Griffiths, who was not in the line up that fell to the Bergers, acknowledged that it had been a difficult decision to leave his hometown club and head back overseas.

“I’d really like to thank the club and the members and fans for giving me the opportunity to play here for a second time and to captain the team,” said Griffiths who has previousy played in England, China and the Netherlands.

“To be handed the skipper’s armband was a massive honour for me, so leaving to go overseas is not something that I have done lightly.

“But at this stage of my career and bearing in mind where the Hyundai A-League is at financially, this overseas opportunity would have been a very tough one to turn down.

“Perth will always be my home town and obviously I’d like to wish the club all the very best for the coming season and beyond."