Thank you, Mamelodi Sundowns! Thank you, South Africa! PSL Player of the Season Lucas Ribeiro bids farewell after a transfer saga with Masandawana

After two seasons with the Premier Soccer League defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns, Lucas Ribeiro has officially bid farewell to the club.

The 26-year-old has penned an emotional farewell message for the club and the supporters after a transfer saga that involved him and Masandawana.

"From the very first day I arrived, I gave my all, on and off the field, to earn my place and proudly defend Mamelodi Sundowns," Ribeiro said in a statement on his Instagram page.

"These past two years have been incredible, full of emotions. I have learned so much from this beautiful culture—not only to become a better player, but also a better human being," he added.

"To my wonderful Masandawana supporters, first of all, thank you for everything. I want you to know that your support and love meant so much to me, and I will never forget you.

"I will always carry in my heart the memories of the emotions I lived, the goals, the assists, the trophies, and the magical nights with you that made me feel at home."

Given the context that his exit comes with, Ribeiro has admitted that he would have said goodbye in a proper way.

"I wish I could have said goodbye in a better way, but please know that my love for you is endless. I am grateful to all the coaches who were part of this beautiful story—I will always appreciate each of you," the PSL title winner stated.
"To my teammates, my second family, thank you for every battle, every title won, every smile, and every moment we shared together. You will always be my brothers, and I will miss you so much.
"Playing for Sundowns and living this beautiful culture has been such a great honour for me. I will truly miss it. Thank you, South Africa."

The farewell message confirms that Ribeiro will not be part of the Masandawana fraternity again, closing the door on a rather successful chapter. During his time with the club, he lifted two PSL titles and reached the final of the CAF Champions League.

He also won the Golden Boot award and was crowned last season with the PSL Player of the Season honour.

However, his exit is leaving a sour taste in the mouth of the club and maybe the fans.

His farewell message comes amid a transfer saga that pitted him against the Tshwane giants; while he wanted to move on, Sundowns protested, arguing the Brazilian must honour the obligations of his running contract.

In a bid to get Sundowns to let him go, he escalated the matter to the FIFA Disputes and Resolution Chamber.

When the dust from the transfer saga finally settles, fans will be keen to see which club will sign the 2024/25 PSL Player of the Season.

After shining last season in the PSL and at the FIFA Club World Cup, he was linked to clubs in Belgium, France, Brazil and Qatar.