Alex Rodriguez joins Wellington Phoenix exit list

Midfielder Alex Rodriguez has left A-League club Wellington Phoenix and signed for Portuguese outfit Boavista, he announced on social media. 

The 23-year-old former Sunderland reserve team player announced the move on Instagram on Wednesday, adding he was looking forward to the next two years with his new club in Portugal. 

Barbarouses leaves Phoenix early

Rodriguez becomes the eighth player from the Phoenix's 2016-17 squad to leave the club.

New Phoenix coach Darije Kalezic and his assistant Rado Vidosic - who were unveiled on Wednesday - will have a busy off-season in terms of recruitment.

Kalezic confirmed as Phoenix coach

Rodriguez spent three seasons with Wellington, playing 72 A-League matches.

"I would like to thank everyone that has supported me in this journey but specially [sic] mentioned to club for the opportunity, to my team-mates that they welcomed me with open arms from day one and mostly to the fans that have supported us through thick and thin with the same passion," he said.

Rodriguez, born in Tenerife, signed with Wellington in 2014 from Sunderland having never made a senior appearance for the English club.

The Spaniard started 20 of his 23 appearances last season, scoring one goal and notching one assist.

Rodriguez joins Kosta Barbarouses, Glen Moss, Roly Bonevacia, Jacob Tratt and Shane Smeltz as first-team regulars to leave Wellington over the past couple of months.

Boavista have won one Primeira Liga title in their 113-year history and five Taca de Portugal (Portuguese Cup) trophies, while they finished ninth in the 18-team league last season.