Midfielder Gaston Sirino has responded to Mamelodi Sundowns’ announcement of his departure on Monday. Sirino’s exit was confirmed alongside Brian Onyango, Thabiso Kutumela, and Bongani Zungu.

Sundowns signed Sirino from Bolivar in the second half of the 2017/18 season, unveiling him alongside Jeremy Brockie and Aubrey Ngoma.

“To the Yellow Nation,” Sirino wrote on social media, “thank you for all these years together. Thank you for the love you gave me and my family from the first day. It will always remain in my heart. I also thank the Motsepe family for allowing me to be part of this beautiful club’s history.”

The specifics of Sirino’s departure remain unclear. While it appears Sundowns might have terminated his contract expiring next season (potentially involving a settlement), coach Rulani Mokwena previously revealed Sirino’s frustrations with the club. Sirino reportedly requested a transfer on multiple occasions and further strained relations by wearing an Al Ahly shirt during a Champions League clash against Sundowns.

Despite the recent tensions, Sirino departs with a decorated trophy cabinet. He leaves Sundowns with seven league titles, two Nedbank Cups, a Carling Knockout trophy, an MTN8 title, and the African Champions League.

Across his 202 appearances, Sirino contributed significantly, scoring 41 goals and providing 44 assists. This past season, he featured in 24 matches, scoring five goals and assisting on two others.