Dimitrios Diamantakos confirms departure from Kerala Blasters via social media post | ISL 2024-25
Weeks after reports of Kerala Blasters failing to reach an agreement with Dimitrios Diamantakos over a new contract, the Greek talisman announced on Monday (May 20) that his time with the Yellow Army had ended. Diamantakos joined the Blasters in 2022.
"Unfortunately these 2 amazing full of exciting adventures and experiences, years in Kerala have come to an end," Diamantakos wrote on Instagram.
"I do not have words to express myself for the moments we have cherished together as a team."
The 31-year-old's contract with Kerala Blasters ran out at the end of the 2023-24 season. Although there were conversations regarding an extension, Diamantakos felt the club's offer wasn't reflective of his contributions, Sportskeeda reported last month.
Furthermore, the striker thanked the fans and the club for making him feel welcome at the club since he signed two years back.
"You made me feel more welcomed than ever and I couldn’t be more grateful about that. The continuous support and love that i have received since day one from our fans has been incredible. Thank you @kbfc_manjappada. I will always remember you and I wish you the best of luck!!" he wrote.
As things stand, the former Olympiacos striker will have offers to consider from a couple of ISL clubs and will soon make a decision. However, for Kerala, considering Diamantakos' contributions in the recently concluded season, his departure will leave a gaping hole in the club's attack line.
A look at Dimitrios Diamantakos' contribution to the Kerala Blasters attack over the past two seasons
After completing his loan spell with Israeli side Ashdod on loan in the summer of 2022, Diamantakos terminated his contract with his then-parent club Hajduk Split, and joined Kerala Blasters on a free transfer.
The Greek forward had a blistering start to his life at the club as he became only the second player in the team's history to reach the 10-goal mark in the 2022-23 season. He finished the season with 10 goals and three assists over 21 appearances.
If anyone thought his performances had already peaked, Diamantakos turned it up a notch higher in the 2023-24 season. In 17 appearances, he raced to 13 goals and three assists, ending up as the top scorer of the recently concluded season. Even with most of their crucial overseas players sidelined through the season, Diamantakos continued to shoulder their entire attacking responsibility.
Hence, the departure of the Greek talisman could be an incredible loss to the club. With the Blasters recently parting ways with their fan-favorite head coach Ivan Vukomanovic a few days back, they will be yearning to rebuild their identity right from scratch.