Signed by Graham Arnold on a five-month contract in March, Vukovic never played a J.League game for the club. Any hopes of a breakthrough were ended when Arnold himself exited after just six winless games at the helm back in April after becoming a victim of player power.

Vukovic went to Japan with "high hopes" as part of package which also included Central Coast’s Michael McGlinchey and its fitness conditioner Andrew Clark. Only McGlinchey – currently frozen out of the first team – now remains.

"Things just haven’t worked out here and there’s no point in staying," former Central Coast custodian Vukovic confirmed on Thursday after being granted a release.

"I came with high hopes and big expectations, especially with Arnie in charge at that stage, but it just didn’t go the way any of us imagined.

"Michael McGlinchey is in the same boat as me, more or less. We have been able to support each other along the way and have helped keep each other remain sane over the past eight weeks or so.

"I feel we both have a lot to offer but a bit of club politics hasn’t helped either of us. My wife stayed back in Perth and that added to how tough it’s been at times.

"I think I will come back a better player though. I have trained and worked hard and it’s all certainly been an eye-opener.

"I will return a calmer person. Overall, It’s still been a great experience but also really disappointing not to get any game time in the J.League.

"I played a couple of cup games under Arnie and was on the bench a few other times – but that’s about it.

"I feel I had a lot to offer and don’t feel where I was placed in the pecking order was a true reflection of my ability.

"But when Arnie's replacement (Susumu Watanabe) came in he wanted to unify a team which had gone 10 games without a win - and to be fair to him he has got them winning matches. So whatever he has done has worked."

Vegalta Sendai has risen from the foot of the J.League to 11th spot under Watanabe– winning four games in a row this month to put its early season woes behind it.

Such is Vukovic’s desire to return home as swiftly as possible, he is awaiting news on whether his request to be freed to attend the wedding of best mate and Western Sydney Wanderers striker Mark Bridge on 31 May has been granted.

And he can’t wait to return to pre-season training in July with his Glory teammates, adding: “I am looking forward to the banter again and I miss the place and the club.

“I will be taking a bit of a break now to clear my head a bit, and then it will back to business. I have three years left at the club and I want to help them do well next season.”