To The Lovely Orlando City Family,
I am now sitting on the Edelweiss airplane on my way home to Zürich. These last days have been a whirlwind of emotions, and it has been the most difficult decision in my career, mostly because I am leaving an amazing club, city and atmosphere…. that always put a smile on my face.
I first want to say thank you to Coach Adrian Heath, his staff and former General Manager Paul McDonough, who gave me the opportunity to join the MLS and for Team Administrator Erik Ustruck for helping me transition to the United States and for his tireless work helping me and the other players. Without them, Winter never would have come to Orlando and truly appreciate the club’s and the fans’ understanding with my request to be closer to family. I also want to thank them for the great cooperation during the last year and for helping me improve on and off the field. Each time I put on the purple jersey or training kit, I always played with pride and to give my everything for the club… my teammates and most importantly for the fans.
A big thanks also goes out to the Rawlins family, who warmly welcomed me to Orlando and provides so much passion for the club, and together with Flavio Augusto da Silva and the entire front office staff, Lion Nation is in very good hands. I expect the club to make the playoffs this year and lift many trophies in the future!
Another big thank you goes to my great teammates, you were always so nice and helpful to me! I have created many long lasting friendships, and I will miss you all guys!
At the end my gratitude goes to the amazing Orlando City Fans! From the Ruckus and Iron Lion Firm to all the amazing families I met who bleed purple, the support always gave me extra energy. I will cherish the memories that we created together. We can always celebrate together my first goal with the club at home against Sporting KC or the first game this season in front of 60,000 screaming fans to score the game-tying goal against Real Salt Lake. Keep up the great support because every great club needs fans like you!
I will keep this wonderful experience forever in my heart and will be the club’s biggest fan from Switzerland. Winter is no longer here but I hope that Winter will come again in the future!
If I forgot someone I am so sorry for that!
Thank you for everything Orlando!!!
Adrian D Winter #32
