Shelbourne head coach Damien Duff humorously said he is 'sad' to see his goalkeeper Scott van der Sluis leave the club to join the hit TV show Love Island.
The goalkeeper requested and was granted a release from his contract so he could take a break from his professional football career to participate in the popular ITV television show.
The Shels player had only signed for the Reds in the summer of 2022 and has made only three first-team appearances, two of which came in this season’s Leinster Senior Cup.
Duff, speaking to the media, saw the funny side of the situation but also thanked the Welshman for his time at the club.
Shelbourne FC can confirm Scott van-der-Sluis has left the club.
We'd like to wish Scott all the best for the future.
📲 | https://t.co/DFsFslt2iX#DublinsFinest | #Since1895 pic.twitter.com/e2t8cNbo5f— Shelbourne FC (@shelsfc) June 15, 2023
"I was shocked and saddened that Scott chose a villa in Mallorca full of beautiful, single women over myself, the staff, and the players," Duff said, jokingly. "All jokes aside, I thank Scott for his services to Shelbourne FC, and we all wish him the very best for the future, whatever that holds."
Van der Sluis also had kind words for his now former club, "I’d like to thank Shelbourne FC for everything they’ve done for me. The gaffer, the lads, the staff, the fans, and people around the club have been brilliant with me since coming in.
"I’ve loved my time at Shels; football is all I’ve ever done, all I’ve ever known. So this is a new and exciting opportunity for a change-up in life. Shels is a great club going in the right direction, and I look forward to seeing what the lads can achieve. Shels is my club, and I'll be cheering on the lads as a fan when I leave the villa."
