Fabio Borini is among nine players set to leave Salford City following their failure to earn promotion to League One. The side have enjoyed a meteoric rise up through the English football pyramid since the Class of 92’s involvement at the Peninsula Stadium.
Salford's play-off heartbreak
They had a golden opportunity to continue that progression last month after reaching the League Two play-off final at Wembley. But Salford will remain in the fourth tier after Alassana Jatta, Lucas Ness and Jodi Jones scored for the Magpies in an emphatic 3-0 win.
Planning is now underway for a fresh assault on the promotion spots next season. Salford confirmed their released and retained list on Monday, with Italian forward Borini among those leaving at the end of his deal.
Borini's stint at Salford
The former Liverpool and Chelsea forward only joined the League Two side in October as a free agent. He initially penned a short-term deal but was handed a contract until the end of the campaign after impressing.
In all, Borini made 33 appearances in all competitions for Salford and scored five goals. He will now look for another new club at the age of 35.
His exit comes just weeks after Salford boss Karl Robinson was full of praise for his efforts with the club. Speaking to Mirror Football, he said: “I think he scored a goal here in a cup game and he celebrated like he scored in the San Siro for AC Milan or the Olimpico for Roma or Liverpool or Chelsea.
“This person has had an incredible career and played up front with some mind blowing strikers and has been brilliant for me. He embodies everything that we’re trying to do. He’s hard-working, relentless and it’s true to the identity of the city and he’s been impeccable all the way along that.”
Borini's career highlights
Borini started his career with Chelsea, making eight senior appearances for the Blues. He went on to represent Swansea, Roma, Liverpool, Sunderland and AC Milan.
Borini can also count Hellas Verona, Fatih Karagümrük and Sampdoria among his employers later in his career. The forward also earned one cap for the Italian national team in 2012.
Salford's squad overhaul
Away from Borini, Salford have announced that 13 players were already under contract beyond this summer, while they have agreed new deals with four stars. A further six players have seen their stays with the club extended due to clauses in their contracts.
