"It is always pleasing to be able to bring through a young player, develop him and see him get a chance in Europe. On the move: Alex Gersbach in action in the pre-season friendly against Tottenham. Credit:Getty Images "We would have loved to have kept him for another year but it's a great opportunity for him and I wish him the very best for the future." The deal is thought to have netted the Sky Blues a sizeable transfer fee, as well as a significant sell-on clause should he move to a bigger club in Europe. Although a significant blow to the club's championship aspirations this season, the deal ensures Sydney won't lose their most promising young player for nothing when his contract expires in June. Linked with a move to English championship club Brentford in the off-season, Gersbach decided to stay with Sydney this season but declined to extend his initial two-year deal.

That triggered a wave of interest in the Sutherland Shire product, who has been courting clubs through his agent, Greg Keenan. The young star was nothing but complimentary towards his now former club, singing their praises in a press release on Sunday. "I'd like to thank everyone at Sydney FC for the opportunity I have had to develop my career and for the experiences I've had playing Hyundai A-League football," said Gersbach. "The chances I've been given at Sydney FC have undoubtedly helped me improve as a player and presented me with this wonderful opportunity which lies ahead. I am very grateful for that. "I've had a great two years with an exceptional group of players and coaching and medical staff, and it has been an honour to represent this club and its fantastic supporters.

"I am hugely excited about the next stage in my career and i wish the club every success in the future. I will always be a Sydney FC supporter at heart." Gersbach was expected to make the move to Danish club Aarhus during this window, with a $500,000 fee speculated in some reports. The fee agreed with the Norwegian club is much lower than that but Gersbach will head to Norway's Tippeligaen, a well-regarded league for the development of young players. It is noted for being somewhat more physical than other leagues in Scandinavia. "Obviously, Alex is a kid who has ambition, he doesn't hide that," coach Graham Arnold said this week. "He often says that overseas is where he wants to go." Only last month, Gersbach said he was aware of the interest from abroad but would let his representatives work out the fine print of his next contract.

"It's pleasing to know some clubs are interested but the main thing I've got to do is keep playing good football and if I do that the interest might build," he said. "I can't worry about that though, my agent can deal with that and I'll just focus on football." However, Gersbach did admit that he saw his long-term future in Europe. "At the moment, obviously I'm happy at Sydney FC and however long I'm here, I'll be happy to be here but every young player aspires to go to Europe," Gersbach said. "I'm focused on my season at Sydney FC, we've got a big six months and the ACL [Asian Champions League] coming up as well and we want to win the A-League championship as well." But Gersbach will now play no part in the club's Asian Champions League campaign, which begins in February. His teammates were informed immediately after the 3-1 defeat to Brisbane Roar on Saturday night that Gersbach had played his last game for the club.