Culina to leave PSV

Culina intent on improving the profile of Australian football

Last updated: 10th January 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Culina to leave PSV

Culina - Returning home

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PSV Eindhoven midfielder Jason Culina will leave the Dutch giants at the end of the season to return to his native Australia.

The 28-year-old, whose contract expires in June, has agreed to a three-year deal which will make him Australia's highest-paid footballer.

Culina has been at PSV since 2006 after spells at Ajax, Germinal Beerschot, De Graafschap and FC Twente.

PSV recently offered Culina a new deal, but the player said he had already made up his mind about returning home.

Culina, who has scored twice in 82 appearances for PSV, told the club's official website: "I want to make a fresh start and I am ready for a new challenge.

"I am the first international who returns to Australia and I am keen to promote the national competition and raise the standard.

"PSV is a great club and I felt flattered when they offered me a contract extension, but I had already made up my mind to return to Australia.

"But my immediate priority is to put in convincing displays for PSV over the next five months.

"I won the Dutch title three times and I want to give my all to the team before I return home."