KUALA LUMPUR: Goalkeeper Kevin Mendoza cited salary woes as one of two reasons for deciding to part ways with former Malaysia Cup champions KL City after three seasons.
"I think there are financial problems so, that's one of the biggest (reasons for leaving)," said the 29-year-old.
However, the Filipino, who helped KL City with the 2021 Malaysia Cup, hopes to return to the M-League one day.
"I will miss everyone and hope to play with them in the future.
"I plan to come back (to Kuala Lumpur) either as a player or a coach."
Mendoza, who joined KL City in 2021, was given a proper send-off by the team and fans after their 3-0 win over Kelantan United in a Super League match at the KLFA Stadium in Cheras on Sunday.
He said he will cherish the time KL City upset mighty Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) 2-0 in the final of the 2021 Malaysia Cup.
"My most memorable achievement was probably winning the Malaysia Cup because it was my first season with the team.
"We thought it was impossible to beat a team like JDT.
"I was also part of the team who finished runners-up in the 2022 AFC Cup and 2023 FA Cup.
Mendoza featured 64 times and recorded 19 clean sheets throughout this tenure with KL City.
It is learnt that Mendoza will join former KL City coach Bojan Hodak at Persib Bandung before the transfer window closes tomorrow.
Earlier this month, KL City chief executive officer Stanley Bernard confirmed that the club had not paid salaries for two months.
Coach Nenad Bacina wished Mendoza the best of luck.
"He achieved excellent results and was one of the key players in the previous seasons.
"We can't stop him from chasing his ambition. We wish him the best of luck."