After receiving an attractive offer from Busan, van den Brink made a three-day visit to Korea last month to hold talks with the club and view their facilities.

Gold Coast United had already tabled a contract extension to the 28-year-old foundation player, but as van den Brink explained, the offer from Busan I'Park was just too good to turn down.

"I've had a fantastic time at Gold Coast United and will miss the club, the fans, my teammates and the area. But the deal put forward from Busan I'Park was a very, very good one and I would be mad to turn it down," he said.

"Footballers can sometimes have a short career so when you receive a good offer you have to give it your full consideration and make decisions that benefit your family and career.

"The Gold Coast United supporters have been just brilliant to me and I would like to thank them, Clive Palmer and Miron Bleiberg for all their encouragement throughout my time here. From now until the end of the season I will be doing everything I can to make sure this year ends in success for the club.

"Had it not been for this offer from Korea I would have been delighted to stay at Gold Coast United. It was a difficult decision but now that it's out in the open I just want to concentrate 100% on making sure we push for success and end this season on a high."

Head Coach Miron Bleiberg paid tribute to one of his original overseas signings, saying the blond Dutchman has been an integral part of the club's formative years.

"On and off the field Bas is an excellent guy and he is proof that even at the age of 28 you can still improve and learn, which is a good lesson for everyone. If you're dedicated and work hard then the sky is the limit," Bleiberg said.

"He was one of our original players when we started the club and on one hand we will be sorry to lose him, but on the other we're happy to see that he has such a good contract offer from Korea. It's a professional game and these are decisions that players have to make from time to time.

"We're happy for him as he has earned recognition in another country as well as a very good contract offer. Bas and Gold Coast United will stay friends for life and we all wish him well."