The 24-year-old was contracted to United until the end of the 2009/10 season but has asked the club for an early release due to a lack of game time.

Melbourne Victory are believed to be one of those monitoring his situation as he ponders his next move.

Spagnuolo has made seven appearances out of a possible 12 for The Reds this season, but has started in just three.

Adelaide United Football Director Michael Petrillo said: "Jason has requested to be released from the last season of his contract and although we are sad to see him go we have agreed to his request, and his contract will now terminate at the end of this season.

“On behalf of the club we wish Jason all the best in his future endeavours. He is a respected player and person at the club and as a former club champion will always hold a special place and be welcome at the Adelaide United Football Club.

"We know that Jason will continue to give the club 100 per cent effort for the remainder of the season as he always has.”

Spagnuolo, who burst onto the Hyundai A-League scene in 2006/07 after being plucked from local Adelaide Super League club MetroStars, said he was sad to call an end to his time with The Reds but was looking to start a new chapter in his football career.

He said: "It was a very hard decision. I love this place but for me personally, I want to play and maybe I need to move away to get some more game time.

“I’m not getting younger, no one is, and I just want to play football and that’s the main reason. I just want to go somewhere where I can play a bit more.”

Spagnuolo was crowned Adelaide United’s Club Champion in 2006/07, his first full season in the Hyundai A-League, and while he has cut short his United contract, he is extremely grateful to the club that gave him a start on the national scene.

“Everyone at Adelaide United has been great. It’s a real family club, it’s a credit to what they’ve established here, and I will definitely miss it but that’s the way it goes sometimes,” Spagnuolo said.

He told Tribal Football: "It is every coach’s prerogative to play the players they want. I have no grudge against Viddie or the club, they are great!

“I need to move on and get out of my comfort zone in Adelaide.

“It makes me a bit nervous in that I do not know where my next deal will come from but it also makes me hungry and desperate to play every game for Adelaide United in the remainder of this season."