Berisha sensationally quit the A-League champions for J-League outfit Sanfrecce Hiroshima.

The J-League move brings the curtain down on a glittering A-League career for the mercurial and sometimes divisive striker.

 

Dear Melbourne Victory members and fans. I want to tell you that I have made the toughest decision of my football career to leave this club and pursue an opportunity with Sanfreece Hiroshima in Japan. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Chairman, Kevin Muscat and the board for having the courage to sign me as their marquee player and for this I will be forever grateful. My time at Melbourne Victory was special thanks to the fans and the memories we have together will last a lifetime. Finally I would like to thank the people that have helped me achieve my goals along the way, especially my teammates family and close friends. You guys will always hold a special place in my heart. Yours, Besart Berisha

A post shared by Besart Berisha (@besartberisha08) on

“I have very mixed emotions right now because I had an amazing time at Victory and in Australia,” Berisha said.
 
“It’s a little bit sad but in the end it’s the right decision for me to move on at this time.

The 32-year-old amassed 116 A-League goals across seven seasons with Roar and Victory and helped both clubs to a glut of silverware.

Victory coach Kevin Muscat brought him to Melbourne in 2014 and during the next four seasons the Big V notched up a premiership, two championships and an FFA Cup win. 
 
Berisha added: “I have to thank the fans for always supporting me, not just in the good times but also in the difficult moments, I will always be grateful.
 
“I would also like to thank Kevin and all the coaching staff, you always trusted me and backed me up.
 
“A big thanks goes to the players who helped me to achieve so much in Australia.
 
“To the Chairman and the Board, without your support we would not have been able to achieve so much success.”
 
Berisha was one of Muscat's first signings at Victory and the coach paid tribute to the league's two-time Golden Boot winner.

“Besart will always be remembered as one of the greatest players to wear the Victory jersey,” Muscat said.
 
“His contribution, not only to our club, but to the entire competition has been immense and his record speaks for itself.
 
“We are disappointed to be losing a player of Besart’s quality, you could always count on him to step up and deliver in the big games.
 
“However, we understand and respect his desire to tackle a new challenge and certainly wish him all the best.”
 
Berisha scored a total of 86 goals for Victory in 137 games for the club.