Tusker FC's first-choice keeper Patrick Matasi has parted ways with the defending Kenyan Premier League champions, ending months of speculations regarding his future at the club.
One of the most decorated goalkeepers in the nation, Matasi, made his exit public on Wednesday after reaching an agreement with Kenyan Premier League rivals, Police FC.
Tusker's refusal to grant him a release prevented his earlier attempt to join the law enforcers during the preceding transfer window.
The outspoken goalkeeper listed his achievements with the Ruaraka-based side, saying he owed them a lot for helping him steer his career to new heights.
"I committed to Tusker for two seasons, but after 21 wonderful months, I'm leaving. I enjoyed my time at Tusker, and I do value how I was treated there," Matasi said.
"We worked extremely hard as a team last season and won the title, which was later revoked for reasons that are already known to the public," he added.
Matasi remarked that donning the brewers' jersey increased his visibility on the global stage.
"After I joined the brewers, I had many opportunities to perform on a global stage. In my football career, I had the opportunity to participate in the Caf Champions League for the first time.
"I was able to advance my career as a result of the opportunity the club gave me. Within this period, I managed to feature for the national team, Harambee Stars where we defeated Ghana at Moi Stadium, Kasarani in Nairobi," he said.
Given the unique bond he had already formed with his teammates, he claimed it was difficult to leave the club.
"We were an intimate family. I had a special bond with the players, the technical bench, the youth team, and the company as a whole.
"Despite this, life must go on, and I now have no choice but to move on. All I can do at this point is express my gratitude for all the support they provided while I was a member of the club."
Even as he departs, Matasi is admonishing the brewers to punch above their weight in their remaining fixtures to successfully defend their title.
"Given that the league has just started its second and final leg, I would like to implore them to exert more effort. The distance between them and the league's dominant team, Gor Mahia, is not particularly great. The fact that I'm no longer a member of the team needs to be accepted by my teammates, and I have faith that they will find a worthy replacement."
He urged the club's management to exercise patience when things are going south.
When the results are slow to come in, I'm pleading with the sponsors to be understanding with the team. We experienced a similar challenge last season but picked ourselves together to deliver the title."
