Melbourne Heart release Michael Mifsud

Australian A-League side Melbourne Heart has released goal-shy Malta international striker Michael Mifsud, just six months into his one-year deal.

Mifsud, a product of Sliema Wanderers, had moved to the A-League side in September after leaving Valletta FC.

The deal, thought to be worth around €200,000, saw Mifsud sign a one-year deal ahead of the 2013-14 season.

However, the Maltese international striker has now been allowed to “return home with his family,” and has had his contract terminated.

In December, Mifsud scored his first goal for the club in round 10 against Sydney FC in a 2-1 loss. But Mifsud’s goal against a Del-Piero-inspired Sydney FC was his only strike in 12 matches for Heart.

He is the captain of the Maltese national team and is the all-time top scorer with 39 goals out of 103 matches.

Mifsud began his playing career with Sliema Wanderers’ before moving for his first stint abroad with German club Kaiserslautern. Mifsud also played his trade for Norwegian Premier League side Lillestrom before moving to England’s second-tier with Coventry City and later Barnsley.

After leaving Barnsley, the striker moved back to Malta where he played with Valletta FC and Qormi FC. His one year stint with Qormi saw him return with Valletta where the veteran striker picked up a championship medal.