Daniel Sturridge set to be released after ‘disappointing’ season in Australia with Perth Glory
Perth Glory CEO Tony Pignata has admitted the club are unlikely to re-sign Daniel Sturridge for next season.
The former Liverpool star arrived in Australia to much fanfare but has struggled to stay fit, making just five appearances and playing a total of 94 minutes with three games remaining for Glory this campaign.
Sturridge, who is also yet to score in the A-League Men, arrived in Perth as a free agent after not playing for 18 months.
The 32-year-old is now set to be released by the Glory after just one season but there are hopes he could play again before he departs.
“It has been disappointing. We had high hopes when we signed Daniel. It hasn’t worked,” Pignata told SEN’s The Global Game.
“From a marketing view, the first game we had 18,000 on the back of him arriving and the hype. Unfortunately he got injured against Macarthur.
“He’s training and there’s the potential he could play some minutes this week and finish off the season.
“Next year? I doubt it that we’ll offer him another contract but we’ll sit down at the end of the season to discuss.
“Daniel’s disappointed like we all are in terms of what’s happened. We’re supporting him, the physios are working hard to get him back and hopefully he can play some minutes and finish the season off.”
46′ – Subbed on 🤩
64′ – Pulls up sore 😬
65′ – Subbed off 🤕That wasn’t in the plans for @PerthGloryFC and Daniel Sturridge as their star man’s night ends after less than 20 minutes on the park.
Follow Live: https://t.co/lRmXLykooJ pic.twitter.com/6lyacYpJtX
— KEEPUP (@keepupau) February 23, 2022
Sturridge tested positive for COVID during his time with Perth and had stressed his desire to perform upon signing with the Glory.
“I’m coming there as a humble man, leaving my ego at the door,” Sturridge said in October 2021.
“Of course, players can make the difference, but in terms of one player carrying a team, I just don’t think in world football that’s possible, because everybody is needed.
“Everyone in the squad is important. I’m not there for a holiday. I’m there to play football. I’m there to perform to the best of my abilities.
“This is the longest time I’ve had not playing competitive games. But in terms of training, I’ve been training the whole time. I’ve not let myself go or had time off.”
It’s been a horror season for Sturridge and Perth, with the club winning just three of 23 league games to date and poised to pick up their first wooden spoon in the A-League Men.
Glory decided to part ways with coach Richard Garcia earlier this year and apppointed Ruben Zadkovich in the interim with a permanent appointment a top priority for the club.
“Look, definitely we need to find a coach. Ruben’s in the mix but I want to sit down with the owner and go through the applicants that we have and pick the best coach that fits and fits the budget as well,” Pignata said.
“I’m pushing Sagey (owner Tony Sage) in terms of the budget for the squad next year as well.
“We need to look at appointing a coach by the end of May.”
Glory next face Adelaide United in South Australia on April 24 with the club looking to bounce back after a recent 6-0 loss to Western United.