[ad_1]
Socceroo Aaron Mooy has made a shock decision to hang up his boots for good – announcing his plan to retire from domestic and international football.
Mooy, 32, has donned the green and gold 57 times, including playing in two World Cups, since his debut in 2012.
The dynamic midfielder said it was a “hugely difficult decision” but that the time was just right, after battling through a chronic back injury.
“I’ve been lucky enough to live out my dreams of playing for Australia,” Mooy said.
“As a young kid, starting out in football you watch the national team on TV and imagine yourself there one day – to have lived that is something I’m truly grateful for.
“I’ve had the honour of playing alongside some of the best footballers that Australia has produced, creating lifelong friendships along the way.
“I wanted to thank my teammates, coaches and the backroom staff for all their support and guidance during my time with the Socceroos, the camaraderie among the group is something I’ll never forget.
“As a group we were able to set a new bar [in Qatar] for the Socceroos and I believe we have the talent coming through to build upon that as work begins towards 2026.
Mooy was playing for Celtic FC, under Aussie coach Ange Postecoglou – who is due to join English club Tottenham Hotspur next week.
After last year’s World Cup, Mooy helped Celtic secure the Scottish treble – the Scottish League Cup, Scottish Cup and Premiership.
Mooy grew up in Western Sydney, alongside Socceroo captain Matt Ryan.
Ryan said Mooy was a natural talent.
“He’s someone whose actions do all the talking – he makes football look so easy,” Ryan said. “His vision and his passing game is second to none and his technical ability set pieces in his array of passing range and techniques are probably what sets him apart from all the rest.
“He’s someone who’s very passionate, and he’s an incredible family man as well – I know how much they mean to him, and I’m sure that’s probably the major reason why he goes out and does what he does, in order to provide for them and give them a great life.”
“You just obviously need to look at the accolades and all that he achieved along the way you know, not only collectively but personally as well for both club and country.”
Graham Arnold said Mooy was an all around great person, player and a “dream to coach”.
“Straightaway I think about what he did for us against UAE and Peru, he was just incredible. Having gone through a difficult period I had a conversation with him pretty much about you know, ‘are you ready for these games?,” Arnold said.
“Then to play 120 minutes, plus have the armband on and to get up and take a penalty was something special.
“If Aaron probably sits back and looks at what he’s done as a player he should be extremely proud of the career that he’s had.
“He was influential in a lot of teams that he played in, and then when he reflects back after I think he’ll be very proud.”
Originally published as Socceroos, Celtic star Aaron Mooy retires from football after 13-year career
[ad_2]
Source link
