Kewell was close to signing a new two-year contract but made the stunning decision to reject Victory’s offer for family reasons.
The footballer, who rushed to England after Australia’s World Cup qualifier against Japan in Brisbane, made the decision in the last few days, blindsiding the club and the star’s management.
Victory confirmed on Sunday the shock announcement that Kewell has played his last game for the A-League club.
“It was one of the toughest decisions we’ve had to make,” Kewell said in a statement issued by his management.
“I enjoyed playing for Victory and living in Melbourne, but family comes first and together we made a decision that it was best for us to remain close to our family at this time.”