DANNY INVINCIBLE has described his decision to quit Swindon Town as painful as 'splitting from a first love'.

The 24-year-old has rejected a new deal at the County Ground because he feels the time is right for a fresh challenge.

Speaking exclusively to the Evening Advertiser, he said a strong desire to play for the full Australian side was also a big factor in his decision.

He said: "This has been an incredibly difficult decision for me. Saying goodbye to Swindon Town will hurt like splitting from your first love.

"This club took a chance on me as I tried to make the breakthrough in English football and it's something I'll always be grateful for and never forget.

"But sometimes in life you need a change and you have to move on. After three years at the club I think that time has come and I have decided to go. I'm ambitious and I want to play at as high a level as I can.

"Boosting my chances of playing for Australia was also a massive factor at the end of the day.

"But nothing would have given me more pleasure than to end my three years here with promotion. Had we achieved that, then it might have made a difference to my decision, who knows?

"Everyone has been fantastic to me, I've enjoyed it, learned a great deal and I just hope no-one holds any grudges against me for the decision I have made."

Invincible has been the subject of intense speculation recently and the striker said it was important for all concerned to know where everybody stood.

He admits clubs from a higher division have expressed interest but nothing has been agreed, contrary to inaccurate reports elsewhere.

He said: "Andy King has to plan for next season and I have to be fair to him and the club. I have given him an early decision and hopefully it will help him as he looks to put his squad together for next year."

And wherever Invincible's career takes him, he will never forget 'that' goal.

He said: "People still talk about the Peterborough goal and I guess there are worse ways to be remembered."

Manager Andy King would have loved Invincible to stay but insists there is no animosity.

He said: "Danny has not accepted the club's offer and becomes a Bosman.

"We made him a good offer, top wages at this club, although it was less than his previous deal, but he feels a change is the right option. I wanted him to remain here but I would publicly like to wish him all the best for the future and tell him he does have the capabilities to succeed.

"He has been a smashing player, a fantastic professional, excited the crowd and I

feel he could have achieved more at this club.

"There is no ill-feeling at all. It's just unfortunate it has to come to an end.

"And I will have a lot of pleasant memories of Danny Invincible to look back on. The goal against Peterborough sticks out. I believed in him and I just wonder whether sometimes he believed as much as others believed in him."

But the former Marconi Stallions man has six games remaining and King hopes the fans will see him go out on a high.

King said: "Danny will play again if the attitude and commitment level remains. I have no doubt it will.

"Danny and the fans should have the parting home 'farewell' that they both want."