Adelaide United wishes to advise goalkeeper, Isaac Richards, will depart the Club to pursue a career in mixed martial arts (MMA).
Featuring twice for the Club at senior level since joining the Reds’ Youth Team in 2015, Richards explained his decision, saying: “I saw football as a great pathway to get myself out of some wrong things I was once doing in my life and it’s helped me develop as a person.
“I have to thank Adelaide United for giving me an opportunity to be a professional footballer and helping to steer me on the right path.
“I owe them a lot.
“To me, mixed martial arts has always been my own personal form of self expression.
“It helps me understand and deal with my emotions.
“I’m excited to be bringing myself out of my comfort zone and looking forward to dedicating my life to my true passion: mixed martial arts.”
.@MickMarrone what did you say to Isaac? 🤯😄🥋 pic.twitter.com/u1CkR6qLt6
— Adelaide United (@AdelaideUnited) June 24, 2020
Adelaide United Director of Football, Bruce Djite, praised Richards for his ability to make such a brave career decision, wishing him well for his future: “Isaac has made a very courageous decision about his future and we fully respect and support his choice.
“It’s not every day a player walks into your office and says he wants to try and make it as an MMA fighter.
“We’re disappointed to be losing Isaac because we have always believed in his potential and football talent.
“Isaac consistently impressed us as an up-and-coming goalkeeper.
“However, we would never stand in the way of a player following their passion and dreams.
“On behalf of everyone at Adelaide United, I want to thank Isaac for his honesty and his time at the Club, we all sincerely wish him the best for his future.”
