Midfielder Gabi (in blue) playing for Svay Rieng against Phnom Penh Crown> He has left the club. Svay Rieng FC
Brazilian attacking midfielder Cristian Roque has shared bittersweet memories of his fellow countryman Gabriel Silva Costa (Gabi) by posting several photos of their time playing together for Preah Khan Reach Svay Rieng FC. Their time as teammates has now come to an end following Gabi’s decision to leave the club.
Cristian admitted that the departure is hard for him to accept. Both players were key figures in the team’s recent success under coach Pep Munoz, helping Svay Rieng win the Cambodian Premier League (CPL) title two seasons in a row, claim the Hun Sen Cup in 2024, and most notably, reach the final of the AFC Challenge League for the first time in the club’s history.
The number 21 took to social media to share his feelings.
“Brother, how do I even begin this?… Do you remember our first game together? You told me we would make history together — and we did. We made history. But now, you’re saying goodbye, ending this beautiful and victorious chapter of yours here,” he wrote.
“I will always keep our friendship in my heart, and I will forever cherish the time we spent together. This was a season I will never forget. Thank you for everything — the good and the bad. You always knew you could count on me. To me, you’re my brother. I wish you all the best in life, and I hope that one day we’ll meet again so we can play and celebrate together like we did this season,” he added.
Brazilian attacking midfielders Cristian Roque and Gabi, when they appeared together for Svay Rieng in the past. Svay Rieng FC
Svay Rieng officially announced GABI’s departure on June 8, shortly after the club ended contracts with fellow Brazilian forward Pablo Augusto, as well as Breno Caetano (Breninho) and Matheus Moresche, on May 29.
In addition, the club has parted ways with Khmer-American player Nicolas Taylor. However, the club has chosen to extend contracts with several other key players, including Cristian Roque, Japanese defender Takashi Odawara, Lao striker Bounphachan Bounkong and Hong Kong midfielder Ryo Fujii. They will be led by newly promoted assistant coach Matthew McConkey in the coming season.
The club posted the following farewell message to Gabi on their official Facebook page.
“Preah Khan Reach Svay Rieng would like to thank jersey number 9, Gabriel Silva Costa, for his dedication and contribution to the club, and we wish him good health, good fortune and success in the future,” they posted.
The announcement of GABI's departure came as a shock to many Cambodian football fans, especially supporters of Svay Rieng, who expressed their disappointment and sadness that the club was unable to renew his contract.
Cristian Roque posted a heartfelt message to his departing teammate, calling him his ‘brother’. Svay Rieng FC
Despite losing a close friend and trusted teammate, Cristian has shown strong commitment to helping Svay Rieng continue forward.
“Thank you, Preah Khan Reach Svay Rieng, for trusting in my work. I promise once again to give it my all to make the fans proud, and I hope that in the next season — 2025–2026 — we’ll all be happy again at the finish. History continues to be written,” he said.
