Former Bayern and Juventus star Douglas Costa released from Australian club due to legal issues.

According to The Sun: Douglas Costa has ended his contract with the Australian club Sydney FC due to 'ongoing legal and personal issues' in Brazil, after just one season.

The 35-year-old player was unable to return to Australia after the season ended, which led to the termination of his contract with the club.

Getty

Costa, who signed a two-year deal last season, had another 12 months left on his contract and hoped to return from Brazil for the new season starting next month.

The A-League club's statement said:

“Sydney FC terminated the contract with Douglas Costa by mutual agreement as he failed to travel to Australia. Ongoing legal and personal matters in his home country prevented the Brazilian from leaving. Thank you for your efforts in Sky Blue, DC.”

Costa commented:

“I am very sorry that I cannot return this time due to the matters I need to resolve at home, but I will always warmly remember my time in Sydney. I want to thank Sydney FC for the opportunity to play in Australia. It was an incredible year in Sky Blue. I am sincerely grateful to the members and fans for the support you have given to me and the team. Playing in front of you was incredibly special, and I will never forget it.”

Costa made 25 appearances for Sydney FC in all competitions, scoring six goals and providing eight assists.

Douglas Costa's Career

A brief overview of Douglas Costa's career to date:

• 2008 – 2010: Grêmio
• 2010 – 2015: Shakhtar Donetsk
• 2015 – 2018: Bayern Munich
• 2017 – 2018: Juventus (loan)
• 2018 – 2022: Juventus
• 2020 – 2021: Bayern Munich (loan)
• 2021 – 2022: Grêmio (loan)
• 2022: LA Galaxy (loan)
• 2022 – 2023: LA Galaxy
• 2024: Fluminense
• 2024 – 2025: Sydney FC

Coach Ufuk Talay noted that Costa's departure was 'the best way' for the club, thanking the winger for his 'quite entertaining performances'.

Costa now has to decide what step to take next in his career after parting ways with the club.

id='5835507529001' data-video-id='5835507529001' data-account='5067014667001' data-player='default' data-usage='cms:WordPress:6.5.6:2.8.6:javascript' data-embed='default' class='video-js' data-application-id='' controls style='width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; top: 0; bottom: 0; right: 0; left: 0;'>

The experienced forward has played for top clubs including Shakhtar Donetsk, Bayern Munich, Juventus, and LA Galaxy.

In recent years, he played in Brazil, featuring for Fluminense and Grêmio.

The 29-year-old Brazilian, who has played 31 matches for the national team, has won five titles in the Ukrainian league, three Bundesliga titles, three Serie A titles, as well as Italian and German Cups.