The Wellington Phoenix have mutually agreed to terminate the remaining six months of English forward David Ball’s contract after nearly six years at the club.

Ball is just one of 16 men to play 100 A-League games for the Phoenix and helped them reach the finals in four of his five full seasons, scoring 15 goals and assisting 26 others in all competitions. He arrived in July 2019 and was described by the club in a press release today as “a Nix legend”.

Ball said the decision was probably the toughest of his career.

“It’s been a tough call to make. There have been a lot of tears coming to this decision as the Phoenix have been a huge part of mine and my family’s life. I’ve put my heart and soul into the club since I got here and I’ve fallen in love with the Nix, the people around it and the fans.”

The 35-year-old plans to take a break with his family before deciding on his next move, but he has made it clear he isn’t retiring.

“I haven’t made that decision yet. I want a bit of time to digest leaving the Phoenix because there are a lot of emotions.

“I’ll do that with family and make the right decision for our future, but it definitely isn’t the end for my time in New Zealand.”

Ball isn’t opposed to returning to the Phoenix either: “We’ve finished on great terms and if the opportunity comes to be part of the football club in the future, I’d jump at the opportunity.”

Ball scored six goals and set up four more after arriving at the club and was named player of the year in 2020, helping to lead the Phoenix to its highest regular season finish of third.

One of two vice-captains, he was a key part of last season’s record-breaking team that fell just short of a maiden grand final appearance, losing 2-1 to the Melbourne Victory in May.

“I wanted to help solidify the Phoenix as a club that regularly plays in the finals and challenges for titles,” Ball said.

“We’ve surpassed every bit of history the club’s had since I arrived and I believe I’ve left the club in a better place than when I first came to it.

“I think that’s the most important thing to me is that I’m remembered for being in those sides that created history.”

Phoenix director of football Shaun Gill thanked Ball for his contributions to the club, saying he was “the ultimate pro”.

“He’s been a tremendous role model for the players coming through our academy and has been influential in the team’s success over the past five years,” Gill said.

“He’s also been incredibly professional in how he’s conducted himself through what has been a difficult process.

“We wish Bally all the best for his future and have no doubt he’ll still have a major role to play in football in Wellington in the coming years.”

Club captain Alex Rufer says Ball has been a fantastic teammate.

“When Bally first arrived, it took me a little bit of time to get used to his English banter,” Rufer said. “But we’ve developed a very close friendship,” Rufer said.

“We went through possibly the toughest time any footballer has had to go through, relocating to Australia for two seasons, and Bally played a key role in keeping the group together.

“He gave everything for the team and he was also a massive part of the success we had last season.

“Bally was great around all the young lads, in particular. If they ever had any problems, he’s someone they could go to, and he’s showed them how to be a professional through what he does every day in training and in games.”