The Wellington Phoenix have lost nine players since the season ended but the confirmed departure of star striker Roy Krishna has hit the club harder than others.

Krishna announced yesterday he was leaving the Kiwi club and the A‑League to pursue options elsewhere.

The 31‑year‑old settled on that decision despite a huge pitch from the Phoenix to stay.

Wellington Phoenix General Manager David Dome told Radio Sport they gave Krishna the club's biggest ever offer and a scholarship for aspiring Pacific players named after him.

Krishna emerged as the Phoenix's star player after he finished the season with 19 goals in 27 appearances, leading him to win the Johnny Warren Medal as the best player in the competition along with the Player of the Year, Players' Player of the Year and the club's 'Golden Boot' at the Phoenix's awards dinner.

[Radio Sport]

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