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Irish striker Andy Keogh will depart the A-League for Saudi Arabia after being frozen at Perth Glory.
Perth Glory's record goalscorer Andy Keogh is poised to exit the A-League for a spell in Saudi Arabia after falling out of favour under coach Tony Popovic.
The off-season arrival of striker Bruno Fornaroli has pushed Irishman Keogh out of the club, despite a team-high 15 goals last season as the Glory sealed their maiden piece of silverware - the Premiers' Plate.
Keogh signed a one-year contract extension in March.
But after 55 goals in 122 appearances across five A-League campaigns, he will seek a new adventure in the Middle East after being deemed surplus to requirements at Glory.
"I've thoroughly enjoyed my time in Perth where my family have settled," Keogh told Back Page Football.
"I wanted to see out my playing days at Perth Glory but unfortunately things haven't worked out this off-season and I have been given a great opportunity in Saudi Arabia.
"I don't want to play for another club in the A-League or have to sit out a season due to being out of favour.
"Of course I would be open to a return to Glory in the future, I've loved playing here in front of the fans and my aim was always to leave a legacy."
In a shock move, Popovic dropped Keogh to the bench for last season's grand final against Sydney FC, which Perth lost in a penalty shootout.
Keogh was one of two Glory players to miss from the spot.
The 33-year-old was granted extended leave after last season to be best man at his brother's wedding in Europe, meaning he missed the 2-0 loss to Manchester United in Perth on July 13.
Keogh's exit will put even more pressure on the shoulders of Fornaroli, who was frozen out under Warren Joyce at Melbourne City before making a high-profile move to Glory.
Fornaroli is a proven goalscorer, having netted 46 goals in 70 A-League games.
But his fitness was brought under question at Melbourne City, with Joyce freezing him out of the group in a bid to send a message to the rest of the team.
Popovic is a renowned taskmaster, and he's confident he can provide an environment where Fornaroli can flourish.
