Castro quits season
Spanish ace cites virus fears for decison
SPANISH maestro Diego Castro has stunned the ALeague by refusing to complete the season.
The Perth captain won’t be part of the Glory squad leaving this week for a hub in NSW for the remainder of the 2019-20 campaign,
Castro has cited COVID-19 fears for his withdrawal from Perth’s travelling squad, saying his participation in the NSW hub would be “an unacceptable health risk for him and his family”.
The loss of the 38-year-old playmaker is another blow for the competition, which has also been rocked by Greek marquee man Panagiotis Kone leaving Western United and a knee injury almost threatening to rule out Adelaide United’s former Socceroo James Troisi for the rest of the season.
Glory CEO Tony Pignata said the club “respected” Castro’s decision.
“It is very unfortunate that Diego will not be available for the remainder of the season,” Pignata said.
“But we understand this personal decision that he has come to after careful consideration.”
Despite having remained in Perth during the A-League’s suspension, Castro has not been training with the Glory squad since preparations for the season’s restart began last month.
Glory football director Jacob Burns was disappointed Perth had lost “a player and leader of Diego’s quality”.
“But his absence will create an opportunity for other members of what is a strong, versatile squad united in its aim to build upon last season’s historic success,” Burns said.
Perth is in fifth spot on the ladder ahead of its return match on Saturday against Central Coast Mariners in Gosford.
Troisi was due to have surgery on his right knee on Tuesday after struggling through training in recent weeks.
Adelaide United director of football Bruce Djite said a decision was made for Troisi to have a “minor procedure”. He’s expected to need about four weeks of recovery time.