Sligo Rovers confirm sale of New Zealand international defender Nando Pijnaker

Sligo Rovers have confirmed their New Zealand international defender Nando Pijnaker is leaving the Showgrounds to return home, agreeing a fee with an unspecified club.

The 25-year-old initially joined the club on a loan deal from Portuguese side Rio Ave in early 2022 before Rovers made the deal permanent later that year.

He went on to appear 84 times for the club, establishing himself as one of the League of Ireland’s best defenders.

Pijnaker is a regular starter for his country at international level, including playing against the Republic of Ireland last year at the Aviva Stadium.

Sligo boss John Russell said that constant interest of the service of Pijnaker has eventually led to his exit.

Russell said: "Every transfer window, there’s been interest in Nando. We turned down bids in the past and even last January he was close to leaving but we persuaded him to stay on.

"We had an agreement with Nando that if the right move came for him, we would not stand in his way. He has an opportunity now to play at a club closer to where he is from and I and the club have kept our word in regard to that.

"Nando has been a big player for us since joining the club. His game has developed over the seasons he’s been here and that’s a testament to him and the staff that have worked with him.

"I would like to thank Nando for all his efforts and wish him all the best in his future career."

The Bit O'Red sit third in the Premier Division table after a 2-0 win over Waterford last night.