Central Coast Mariners have confirmed that Marco Tulio will depart the club in January, after an undisclosed fee was agreed with Japanese J1 League club Kyoto Sanga.
The move presents a life-changing opportunity for Tulio and his family, with the club opting not to stand in the Brazilian’s way after being informed of his desire to join Kyoto Sanga.
“While desperate to keep Tulio, as a club we were unable to compete with the financial powers of the J1 League and specifically his new club,” a spokesperson said.
“Marco leaves with the very best wishes of everybody at the Mariners, departing as an Isuzu UTE A-League Champion with his name unquestionably printed in our history books.”
Tulio’s final game as a Mariner will be away to Western Sydney Wanderers on January 6, with his last home game at Industree Group Stadium being this Sunday, December 31, in the mariners’ New Year’s Eve double header against Perth Glory.
The Brazilian joined the club in September 2022 from Portuguese outfit Sporting CP and would play a starring role as we went on to win the A-League Championship.
Tulio contributed 10 goals and five assists across 29 games (including the finals) as the Mariners took their first Championship in 10 years.
He hit his finest form of the season right when it mattered for the Central Coast, as he made eight goal contributions, five goals and three assists in the final seven games.
This included a final day brace against Adelaide to secure the Mariners a place in the AFC Cup, as they charged towards the Isuzu UTE A-League Finals.
Tulio scored in the second leg of the semi-final against the Reds, as the Mariners booked their place in the Grand Final with a 4-1 aggregate win.
The Brazilian played every minute of the iconic 6-1 grand final victory against Melbourne City and earned a place on the bench of the A-League Team of the Season.
2023 was a record-breaking year for Tulio, as his superb goalscoring run in the 23/24 AFC Cup saw him finish the group stages as the top scorer with eight goals in six matches.
His two A-League strikes against Western United and Brisbane Roar recently saw him break the record for the most ever Central Coast Mariners goals in a calendar year with 19.
“I would like to thank everyone at the Mariners and on the Central Coast for the past year and a half,” Tulio said.
“I have had an amazing time with the club including winning the Championship last season and your support has meant a lot.
“While I am leaving to take up a life changing opportunity in Japan, the Mariners will forever hold an important place in my heart and will always be a club that I remember with great joy.”
Mariners Football Manager Mark Jackson wished the Brazilian the very best in the next chapter of his football journey.
“We are obviously disappointed to lose such an influential player, but as a club we could never stand in the way of a life-changing move for Marco and his family,” he said.
“Marco has been a fantastic servant to the club over his time here, helping the club achieve great success.
“A favourite among fans, we are sad to see him go.
“We wish him the very best and thank him for his contributions to the Mariners.”