Diego Castro

Getafe Shortly after the season ended, Castro confirmed his departure from Sporting as a free agent, signing shortly after for Getafe CF. On 3 June 2015, after four years as first choice, he left the latter after his contract expired.

Perth Glory On 6 August 2015, aged 33, Castro moved abroad for the first time in his career, joining A-League club Perth Glory FC as their foreign marquee player. He scored his first goal for his new team on 25 October, contributing to a 3–1 home win against Adelaide United FC. He enjoyed a successful debut season, earning selection for the PFA Team of the Year and winning the Alex Tobin award as well as the Johnny Warren Medal.

On 7 June 2016, Castro extended his stay with Perth Glory, agreeing to a deal believed to be worth approximately $500,000. Before the start of the 2018–19 season, he was named team captain.

Castro agreed to a two-year extension on 23 April 2019. On 14 October 2021, it was confirmed that the 39-year-old would be leaving due to restrictions on visa players and the incoming signing of Daniel Sturridge. A statement from CEO Tony Pignata on the club's official website spoke fondly of the former player, saying:"Diego has been one of the best players Australian football has ever seen, and undoubtedly Glory’s greatest overseas recruit of all time.

"His place in the pantheon of Glory greats is well and truly assured and on behalf of our Members and fans, I would like to sincerely thank him for the massive contribution he has made over the past six years.

"We have been fortunate to have had the pleasure of watching a player of his quality and he will always remain a cherished and much-loved member of the Glory family.

"We would like to take this opportunity to wish Diego and his family all the very best for the future."

Personal life Castro's father, Fernando Castro Santos, also had a career intimately connected with football. He coached several teams in the first and second divisions from 1992 (notably SD Compostela), also working in Portugal.

Besides his native language, Castro is also able to speak English, describing it as that he had fully learned the language while in Australia as part of the challenge of playing abroad.

Career statistics + Appearances and goals by club, season and competition

Division!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals

2001–02 Segunda División B

2002–03 A-League

2016–17

Individual PFA Team of the Season: 2015–16, 2018–19 PFA A-League Player of the Month: February 2016, March 2016 Johnny Warren Medal: 2015–16