Sligo Rovers have confirmed the depature of Rafael Cretaro from the Showgrounds after 17 seasons with the club. He is joining Finn Harps for the 2019 season.
Cretaro, 37, made 531 appearances for Rovers scoring 86 goals.
Cretaro said: “My dream was to play for Sligo Rovers. I didn’t know if it was going to last for one game, one start or one year. I just wanted to fulfil my dream. I wanted to dedicate myself to that for how ever long it lasted, I’m proud to say I did.
“I have amazing memories that will stay with me for my entire life. It has been so much of my life since I made my debut in 2000. I’m thankful to Tommy Cassidy for giving me that chance.
“I was a local lad, I wanted to play for my local club and I wanted to be the best player I could.
“I love Rovers, I always had its best interest at heart and I probably put it ahead of my own sometimes, but it was worth it on every occasion.
“I will move to part-time football elsewhere shortly and that’ll suit me at this stage in my career. Those games are Friday nights. On a Saturday I can say you’ll very likely find me in The Showgrounds with my son Matteo supporting the team again.
You can read Raff’s message to Rovers supporters in full here.
Finn Harps manager Ollie Horgan confirmed to supporters at an ‘information briefing’ in Gweedore on Thursday evening, that Cretaro will be a Harps player next season.
