Luis Muriel departs for Atlético Junior | OneFootball

Orlando City have today confirmed the departure of Luis Muriel to Atlético Junior following the early termination of the player's contract in Central Florida.

The 34-year-old has agreed to a two-year deal with last season's Colombian champions, whom he once represented during his youth before making his senior debut elsewhere.

“We want to thank Luis for his contributions during his time here in Orlando,” said Ricardo Moreira on the club's official website. “We wish him the best as he accomplishes his dream of returning to play for his boyhood club."

This move brings to a close yet another lengthy off-season saga for Orlando, who have only just secured a replacement for the departed Pedro Gallese after Carlos Coronel abandoned his switch from New York Red Bulls at the eleventh hour.

Spending his winter flirting with a number of his former clubs in the hope of drumming up interest, Muriel failed to report to the first day of pre-season training earlier this week.

Arriving from Serie A giants Atalanta on a three-year deal in anticipation of Duncan McGuire's move to the Sky Bet Championship two seasons ago, he was never truly able to justify his mammoth annual $2.5 million salary (not including bonuses).

Just 17 goals in 84 games followed, although Muriel did record the fastest hat-trick in club history during the 5-1 demolition of Liga MX side Necaxa in August.

His departure opens up a Designated Player spot to be filled this winter, although Moreira and co. will have to move quickly to source his replacement given McGuire now stands alone as Orlando's sole senior striker heading into the new Major League Soccer season.