Former Premier League wonderkid wakes up unemployed at 33 after shock release from Australian side
JACK RODWELL is now unemployed following his release from Sydney FC.
The former Everton and Manchester City star joined the Aussie outfit in August 2022 following a stint with their A-League rival Western Sydney Wanderers.
But the A-League outfit have opted against renewing the midfielder’s contract at the Allianz Stadium and have released him as part of a cull of their squad.
Rodwell is one of FIVE players to have been let go by the club, who announced their departures in a statement on their official website.
It read: “Five of Sydney FC’s Isuzu-UTE A-League Men’s squad are to leave the club following the conclusion of the 2023-24 season.
“Defender Jack Rodwell and forward Robert Mak, both 33, depart after two seasons in Sky Blue having won the Australia Cup and helping Sydney FC to two semi-final finishes.
“On-loan striker Fabio Gomes, 27, will return to his Brazilian Serie A parent club Atletico Minero after one season, while 24-year-old defender Gabriel Lacerda re-joins Brazilian Serie B side Ceara Sporting Club, following the expiration of his loan deal.
“After five years, 21-year-old goalkeeper Adam Pavlesic also leaves the club following the conclusion of his contract.”
Sydney FC gaffer Ufuk Talay made sure to pay tribute to Rodwell and his fellow departees after the announcement of their respective exits.
He said: “I’d like to thank each of the departing players for their service to Sydney FC.
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“Each one has made a positive contribution to this club, and I wish them all the very best for the future and their careers.”
Rodwell ends his stint with Sydney FC with two goals, one yellow and one red card to his name in 25 appearances.
That red came in his final match for the club earlier this month, which was the first leg of their A-League play-off semi-final against the Central Coast Mariners.
Rodwell rose to prominence in 2007 when he broke into Everton’s first team.
His impressive form for the Toffees earned him a big-money move to Manchester City, although he failed to entrench himself in the first-team.
He joined Sunderland in 2014 and spent four years at the Stadium of Light before spells with Blackburn Rovers and Sheffield United, which preceded a 2021 move to Western Sydney.