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No contract extension for Janko at Sydney

Departing Sydney FC international marquee Marc Janko has fired a shot at the A-League club after it refused to extend his deal, claiming the Sky Blues didn’t handle his situation with “honesty and respect”.

Janko, the Golden Boot winner for Sydney FC with 16 goals in their runner-up A-League season, was officially let go on Sunday night.

There had been speculation about whether the Austrian would stay for some months, the suggestion being if he wanted another year in Sydney he would get it.

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But that was put to bed in no uncertain terms by the Sky Blues on Sunday who said in a statement that his contract would not be extended largely because he would miss too many games playing for Austria over the next 12 months.

That prompted a pointed response from Janko on Twitter.

“A few weeks ago the club made me an offer that I was willing to accept,” he wrote in an extended statement.

“As I informed the club that I would be happy to stay another year I was told that all signings would be handled after the last game of the season.

“Very surprisingly the club called today to inform me that they are pulling back their offer because they are too concerned about my international duties for the upcoming season.

“It’s very disappointing for me and my family how these things have been communicated and handled in terms of honesty and respect but I guess that’s the football business.”

The striker scored 16 goals for Sydney FC and played a key part in the club’s push to the grand final.

The Sky Blues conceded as much but coach Graham Arnold made it clear they had moved on.

“Marc has done very well this season and we were happy with his performances and his contribution to Sydney FC,” Arnold said in a statement.

“However he will miss a number of A-league games next season due to international duty, with no FIFA breaks in the A-League.

“Add that to our busier schedule, including Asian Champions League commitments, and after lengthy consideration we have come to this decision.

“On behalf of the club and the team I’d like to thank Marc for his service and the professional way in which he has conducted his business.

“We wish him and Austria all the best for the future.”

There was no indication from Sydney FC about whether they had yet secured the services of another international marquee.

-AAP

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