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Wellington Phoenix veteran David Ball has left the A-League Men club, with the parties mutually agreeing to terminate his contract.

Wellington will be without fan favourite David Ball after the long-time Phoenix servant brought an early end to his time at the A-League Men club.

Ball announced on Monday he would be leaving the club despite six months remaining on his contract.

The English forward did not elaborate on the reasoning after closing the chapter on his nearly six-year spell at Wellington, with the club stating they had mutually agreed to terminate his contract.

He has been frozen out of the main squad under Giancarlo Italiano this season, featuring only in one match across their opening 11 fixtures.

Ball described leaving the club as "the toughest decision of my career".

"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," Ball said in a club statement. "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 club's been fantastic with me throughout this process."

Starting his professional career in the same year the Phoenix were founded, Ball arrived at the club in 2019 and enjoyed a late-career rival in Wellington.

He is one of just 16 men to have played 100 domestic league matches for the club, featuring in four finals series across his five campaigns and scoring 15 goals and providing 26 assists across all competitions.

Adored by fans, the 35-year-old famously played through the pain of a ligament tear on his big toe for weeks as the Phoenix chased silverware in 2022.

Ball intends to take a break from the game before deciding on his playing future and hasn't completely ruled out returning to the 'Nix.

"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," Ball said. "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.

"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."

Wellington captain Alex Rufer paid tribute to his teammate and thanked him for his contributions.

"When Bally first arrived, it took me a little bit of time to get used to his English banter 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 (during COVID), 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."

The Phoenix host an in-form Sydney FC outfit on Wednesday at home as they attempt to bounce back from a 2-1 loss to Adelaide United.