The 35-year-old Wanderers faithful was offered an administrative role only with the Red and Black next season, despite the 2017 Wanderers Medal winner wanting to extend his career.

He was snapped up by the Glory.

"Brendon is a player that brings invaluable experience, a winning mentality and a hunger for success," Glory's football director Jacob Burns said.

"He is a fantastic professional that will assist many of the young talented players we have at the club."

Santalab, who spent five seasons with the Wanderers and is the club's all-time leading goalscorer, said he had enjoyed an incredible journey with the Wanderers.

"I leave the Wanderers with an Asian Champions League Winners Medal, Player of the Year (Wanderers Medal) award in 2016/17, two golden boot awards and currently hold the club's all-time goalscorer title.

"I'm delighted with my time at the Wanderers."

He said he was excited by the chance to join the Glory.

"The opportunity to work under Tony Popovic again was an opportunity too good to miss."

It was Popovic who brought the Wollongong-born player to Western Sydney in 2013 where he scored some crucial goals, including the strike against Sanfrecce Hiroshima that took them to the Champions League quarterfinals, to stamp himself as a club great.

Wanderers CEO John Tsatsimas thanked Santalab for being a wonderful servant for the club.

"On and off the pitch Brendon has shown passion and pride in the club, and been a fantastic ambassador with his roles in the community," said Tsatsimas.

"While we were hopeful that Brendon would take up a prominent role within our community program that was offered to him, we totally understand and respect his desire to continue his career as a professional footballer."

Australian Associated Press