Charlie Austin quits Brisbane Roar after just six-months with ex-QPR striker returning to UK for family reasons
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CHARLIE AUSTIN has quit Brisbane Roar after just SIX months due to family reasons.
The ex-Southampton ace made the switch Down Under in June following his release from QPR at the end of last season.
Austin had played in every A-League game this season, including the draw with Adelaide United last Friday, which proved his final outing.
He scored four goals in all competitions.
But just five days after his last appearance, the 33-year-old confirmed his short stay in Australia is over.
On , he said: "Thank you for all your support over the last 6 months.
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"The management, the lads & the fans have been fantastic, & still supported me even during my deliberations to head home.
"I've loved the A-League and hope it continues to grow. Family first, football second."
Speaking in depth to the , he said: It was a tough decision; football is a selfish career…and I made a selfish decision to try something new to come over here, give a new experience to the wife and kids.
"We’ve enjoyed our time here however our eldest daughter is back home going through exams, and I just feel for myself and for the family the best thing to go back to the UK.
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"To the fans, I want to say a big thank you for the way you’ve embraced me, my wife and kids so I can’t ask for much more.
"Keep supporting the lads, have faith in the manager and it won’t be long until the tide turns, and Brisbane get back to where they belong."
During Austin's time in Australia, he was involved in a heated argument with one of his Brisbane team-mates.
At half-time of their 2-0 defeat to Melbourne City, the frontman was seen rowing in the dressing room with Connor Chapman, who was at fault for both goals.
After the game, he said: "I wouldn't be like that if I didn't care. I probably should've shown it in a better way.
"Connor's been around the block so I'd like to think it's not the first barney he's had with someone in the dressing room, so we just move on now.”