Bracknell Bees have confirmed Czech forward Milan Kostourek has left the club for personal reasons.

Kostourek’s father passed away during 2015, and with his mother recently falling ill he asked the Bees to release him from his contract so he can move closer to home.

The 33-year-old has been in prolific form this season, topping the EPL scoring charts with 32 goals and 31 assists.

Bees’ Chairman, Andrew Cross, said: “I would like to personally thank Milan for his hard work, passion and efforts this season to date in the Bees colours and wish him and his family all the best in these trying times.

“It goes without saying that it is most unfortunate for the club to be losing a player of Milan’s calibre, for me the best in the entire league, and especially with the club already suffering from a number of difficulties.

“Life and family however must always come first, and we simply felt that the right thing had to be done by the club in granting his wishes.”

Kostourek, who will be taking up an opportunity with a team in Germany, says the decision wasn’t an easy one to make.

“It is with a heavy heart that I have asked to leave the Bracknell Bees,” he said. “The players, management and fans have all been fantastic with me this season and I have enjoyed myself with the club.

“I have no complaints about the club at all and wish I didn’t have to leave, but I feel that I need to be closer to my family at this current time.

“I hope to return to the club one day as everyone has made me feel very welcome and part of the Bees family, but at this time my family must be my main concern.”

(Image permission: Bob Swann)