Toronto FC announced Thursday that the club and captain Darren O’Dea have agreed to mutually part ways, allowing him to join FC Metalurh Donetsk of the Ukrainian Premier League.

“Darren had an outstanding opportunity for a long term contract at Donetsk, and we completely understand why he wanted to seize that,” said Toronto FC President and General Manager Kevin Payne. “I had a good conversation with him before he left and hope to see him in Toronto in the future.  We wish him the best of luck.”

O’Dea, 26, originally signed with Toronto FC on August 3, 2012. He started in all 27 combined matches he played for the club in MLS league play and CONCACAF Champions League. He was named club captain ahead of the opening match of the 2013 season against Vancouver Whitecaps FC.

O’Dea has earned 19 caps for Ireland’s national team; his most recent came during a friendly against Spain on June 11.