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Finnish midfielder Petteri Pennanen ended his contract with Indian Super League (ISL) side Hyderabad FC on January 28. He announced his termination on X, previously known as Twitter.
“I have legally terminated my contract yesterday with Hyderabad FC due to outstanding salaries,” he wrote.
“I want to thank all the players, coaches and staff for giving their best every day despite the situation outside of the field was not acceptable. Also thanks to the fans for supporting us. I really hope that situation gets better and everyone of you get what you deserve,” he added.
"The last few months have been mentally very difficult, and there have been a lot of sleepless nights, but I'm really grateful that I have an amazing family and friends supporting me. Without them, I don't know if I would have had the strength to push through everything," Pennanen wrote in his Instagram post.
Expressing uncertainty about the future, he added, "At the moment, I have no idea what will happen next, but my main goal is to get a smile back on my face, be happy, and enjoy football again. Wherever it will be."
The 33-year-old had signed a one-year contract with the Nizams for the 2023-24 season. He made 11 appearances for them and scored one goal.
Having earned caps for the Finnish National Team, Pennanen was selected for the ‘Team of the Year’ in the Veikkausliiga, Finland's top-tier league, in both 2018 and 2019.
He was also honoured as the Veikkausliiga’s ‘Midfielder of the Year’ in 2018, 2019, and 2022. Pennanen has demonstrated excellent form for Tampereen Ilves over the past few seasons, even serving as the team's captain.
Currently, Hyderabad FC occupies the bottom position in the ISL standings, having accumulated four points from 11 matches. They are the only team in the league this season that has yet to secure a victory.
Pennanen's exit marked the fifth occasion of a foreign player departing Hyderabad FC due to unsettled salary disputes this season. Consequently, the 2021-22 champions are facing significant challenges, now poised to conclude the season with only one foreign player, Jao Victor. The turmoil extends beyond overseas players, as numerous Indian players are also seeking to leave the club. Mohammed Yasir has already transferred to FC Goa, while Nikhil Poojary and Sana Singh are anticipated to do the same.
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