Grateful defender Ruon Tongyik rejoins Western Sydney Wanderers
Tongyik, 27, has signed a one-year deal with the Wanderers five months after being found not guilty of a sexual assault charge.
'I'd like to sincerely thank head coach Alen Stajcic and the Western Sydney Wanderers for this opportunity,' Tongyik said.
'It means more than I can say to me and my family. Being able to do what I love again, playing football, is something I truly appreciate.
'After facing challenges and setbacks, this opportunity to return to the game means a lot.
'It's not just about playing matches but about being part of a team, working hard every day and pushing myself to be better.
'I'm excited to contribute on and off the field and help the Wanderers achieve their goals.'
Tongyik, who had previous spells with Melbourne City, Brisbane Roar and Central Coast, had been on Western Sydney's books before the Wanderers and Football Australia slapped a no-fault interim suspension on him in October 2023 that prevented him from participating in football and club-related activities.
Stajcic said it was 'great to work' with Tongyik again.
'It's been a long road for Ruon and we are all hoping the Wanderers can re-establish him as one of the prominent players in the A-League,' the Western Sydney coach.
Tongyik was expected to be included in Western Sydney's squad for the club's Australia Cup round-of-16 clash against Heidelberg United on Tuesday night at Olympic Village.
Three clubs – Sydney FC, Wellington Phoenix and Macarthur FC – have booked spots in the Cup quarter-finals with respective round-of-16 wins over Sydney United 58, Nunawading City and Metro Stars.
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