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Hoogland did not want to leave his family and spend several weeks interstate in a hub while Victory completed their five remaining A-League fixtures.

He had been expected to make a major contribution to Victory's campaign this season but a series of injuries blighted his time in the A-League and he only made a handful of appearances.

Hoogland said: “This season has been challenging for so many reasons, and my family has supported me every step of the way. With the current environment in Melbourne and the league moving to Sydney, I have to put my family first.

“We have loved our time in Melbourne. It is a fantastic city, and Victory is very professional club full of great people."

Football operations manager Paul Trimboli said Hoogland's decision to return to Germany was understandable.

“Despite an interrupted season through injury and the suspension of the league, Tim has demonstrated he is the ultimate professional and a wonderful person to have around the dressing room."