Former Gold Coast City striker Ben Litfin has terminated his contract with Wellington Phoenix by mutual consent after just three months with the Hyundai A-League club.

Litfin, 21, realised he would have trouble forcing his way into the first team at the club and has returned to Australia in a bid to find regular football.

The diminutive striker was signed by Head Coach Ernie Merrick in October on the back of scoring 19 goals in 20 games for Gold Coast City in the Queensland National Premier League.

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“I enjoyed my time at the Phoenix but when I realised how hard it would be to force a way into the first team I approached the club for a release,” Litfin said.

“I just wanted to play and the only way to do that was to go back home.

“I am grateful to the Phoenix for giving me a chance and to the coaches and players for the way they made me welcome.”

Phoenix Head Coach Des Buckingham said it was always disappointing to see a player leave but he understood why Litfin made the request.

“He needed to be playing regularly and when he realised that wasn’t going to happen he approached myself and Chris (Greenacre) about going home,” Buckingham said.

“Ben has been popular with the playing group and the coaching staff were impressed with the effort he put in.

“He has conducted himself professionally from the moment he arrived and we wish him well for the future.”