Melbourne Victory can confirm that Matthew Spiranovic has announced his retirement from professional football.
The 34-year-old Asian Cup, Asian Champions League, A-League Premiership, German Cup and Australian Cup winner announced the news on Thursday, closing the book on a 17-year professional career that has seen him represent his country 36 times, including the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
The defender finished his career at the Club it all started at in 2005, representing 1.FC Nuremberg, Urawa Red Diamonds, Al-Arabi and Hangzhou Greentown internationally as well as Western Sydney and Perth Glory domestically.
Spiranovic said he was proud of the career he was able to live out as a footballer and thanked those who had helped him on his journey.
“I would like to take this opportunity to announce my retirement from professional football,” Spiranovic said.
“After suffering an ongoing foot injury for the last 4 months, the time has come for me to hang up the boots. It is with mixed emotions, as I would have loved nothing more than to finish the season and help get Melbourne Victory back to the top.
“I would like to thank my teammates, all the coaching staff, Tony Popovic and the entire Club for the support and great times we’ve had together. Overall, I feel very blessed and proud of the career that I’ve been fortunate enough to have. To all my past clubs, teammates, coaches and fans, thank you for all the fond memories and special moments.”
Melbourne Victory Head Coach, Tony Popovic said he was thankful for not only Spiranovic’s contribution to the Club, but to Australian football as a whole.
“Matty is a player I have spent many years mentoring and working with, and he is an extremely talented defender who has been a consummate professional in everything he has done, on and off the pitch,” Popovic said.
“He is a player that has set an example and has led with his actions and I’ve been lucky enough to be a part of his journey and have witnessed what he’s been able to contribute to football.
“Only the most talented players can leave football for an extended period and contribute the way they did to our squad last season and personally, I have enormous respect for Matty as a footballer and as a person.
“I feel honored and privileged to have coached Matty. Together, we have had success and won trophies at three different Clubs. He has been an incredible servant to the game, and we wish him the best on what’s next in his life after football.”
