Kewell returns to UK for 'family reasons'

Melbourne Victory forward Harry Kewell has quit the club and will return to England.

Kewell, 33, joined the two-time A-League champions ahead of last season, scoring eight times in 25 appearances during the 2011/12 campaign.

But Kewell has played his last game in Victory colours, opting to stay in England to be with wife Sheree Murphy, whose mother is ’gravely ill’.

“It was one of the toughest decisions we’ve had to make,” Kewell said.

“I enjoyed playing for Victory and living in Melbourne, but family comes first and together we made a decision that it was best for us to remain close to our family at this time.”

New Victory coach Ange Postecoglou was disappointed with the news.

“Harry’s a fantastic player and I was looking forward to working with him this season, but he has family matters that need his attention so while it’s unfortunate, I completely understand,”

“We’d been working very hard to come to an agreement with him and we were extremely confident both parties were close to finalising the deal, but these things happen and we wish Harry and his family all the best.”