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Lions supporters were rocked with the news that Adrian Winter has been officially released from his Orlando City SC contract today due to family reasons.

Described as a “mutual termination” as reported by the Orlando Sentinel, Orlando City UK understands Adrian Winter said farewell to team-mates on Friday morning ahead of joining a Swiss club.

A crushing blow for Adrian Heath with the 29-year-old midfielder undoubtedly one of the Lions’ most successful imports in the Major League Soccer era, his exit will now open up an international roster spot.

Only three days ahead of the summer trade window opening on Monday, attentions will now turn towards who can replace the Swiss who was essentially, a massive fan favourite amongst Orlando City SC supporters.

Ultimately, Adrian Winter‘s legacy in Orlando will be his incredible 95th minute stoppage time equaliser against Real Salt Lake at Camping World Stadium back in March 2016 for our home opener.

WATCH Adrian Winter‘s dramatic stoppage time equaliser (2-2) against Real Salt Lake – March 6th, 2016 – SKIP TO MINUTE 7:40 (Credit: Real Salt Lake)

Always considered a good player in the eyes of Lions supporters, it’s only been recently that so many more Orlando City SC fans have realised Adrian Winter‘s true worth with some excellent displays in 2016.

Scoring a vital goal in the Lions’ most recent MLS fixture against Toronto FC in an eventual 3-2 victory, Winter was crucially somebody who could not only score but assist also.

With Orlando City SC already experiencing a pretty darn forgettable week having been eliminated from the U.S. Open Cup by Fort Lauderdale Strikers on Wednesday, today’s news serves as another cruel blow to our plans.

Naturally, Orlando City Twitter is awash with Adrian Winter-related content right now so here’s what Lions fans are making of it all on social media right now…

#WinterIsComing > #WinterIsHere > #WinterIsGone

???#OCSC #MLS pic.twitter.com/LwXzf8saOK

— Orlando City UK (@Orlando_CityUK) July 1, 2016

Adrian Winter is leaving ?? #OCSC

— Martin Collins (@MartinC_94) July 1, 2016

Gutted

— Glenn franklin (@Glenn_fra) July 1, 2016

Thank You Adrian….#AlwaysALion pic.twitter.com/x9uzZawrdD

— The Ruckus (@RuckusOrlando) July 1, 2016

Thank you Adrian Winter. Best of luck at your next club ??⚽️

— Christie Irvine (@christiegirvine) July 1, 2016

Aside from Molino, Winter has been Orlando City’s best player this season.

— Mickey wants his say (@MickeysView) July 1, 2016

We will miss you Adrian! #ThisIsOrlando pic.twitter.com/jSu6FrFTwJ

— Iron Lion Firm (@IronLionFirm) July 1, 2016

@IronLionFirm if you could bottle up his “passion & talent” and let Nocerino drink it….you’d have a pretty good Nocerino.

— Adam Brummett (@Brummett43) July 1, 2016

Nnnnoooooooo!!!!!! Adrian Winter is leaving @OrlandoCitySC ? This one hurts guys. Winter will be sorely missed #ForeverALion #WinterIsComing

— Alex Reiter (@ghost_reiter) July 1, 2016

You can't replace a player like Adrian Winter. The effort, but more important the heart he put in every second of the match. Was 2nd to none

— Hogtown Hooligans (@HogtwnHooligans) July 1, 2016

I'm taking this #AdrianWinter news way too hard for being a grown man. Love that guy's heart on the pitch – already miss watching him play.

— StevieOrlando (@StevieOrlando) July 1, 2016