Adelaide United Football Club announces its Chief Executive Officer, Michael Petrillo, has made the decision to resign from his position with the Club.

Petrillo started with Adelaide United as the Club’s founding CEO in its first Hyundai A-League season in 2005, a role he held until 2007.

Then, in 2007, Petrillo stepped into the Football Director’s role with the Club and continued until March 2009 when he agreed to help establish North Queensland Fury Football Club.

Less than six months later, Petrillo returned to Adelaide United and continued as its Football Director, and in May 2014 was once again appointed CEO, performing both roles admirably ever since.

Petrillo highlighted just how difficult it was to leave the Club, but, upon reflection, made clear that the timing was right to depart.

“It was a very difficult decision for me to make, but after ten years I thought it was the right time to make the change now before the start of the new season to allow a period of transition,” he explained.

Over recent years, Petrillo has overseen the implementation of a new football philosophy into the Club, which is now widely acknowledged as the most entertaining style of play in the Hyundai A-League.

He was also instrumental in the development of Adelaide United’s new state-of-the-art training facility at Playford which is opening next week, the successful introduction of the club into the FFSA National Premier League, and the development of a great list of players and administration staff.

“I’m so thankful to have been able to work for a great club and leave with some fantastic memories and life-long friends. The club is primed to move forward with a great coaching and playing group and an amazing training facility now in place.”

Director of Adelaide United, Bruno Marveggio, said Petrillo’s decision took everyone by surprise.

“The decision comes as a complete shock to everyone associated with the Club,” Marveggio said.

“We respect Michael's decision and are very thankful for everything he has done for the Adelaide United Football Club.

“Now we’ll begin the search for the best person who can continue to take this football club forward.”

Petrillo will continue in his role until 30 September 2015 and will assist in finding a replacement for the position he will leave vacant.

Everyone at the Adelaide United Football Club wishes Michael the absolute best for his future and we would like to wholeheartedly thank him for his unequivocal commitment and passion in bringing the Club to the forefront of Australian football.