Australian soccer legend Mile Jedinak has announced his immediate retirement from international football after 79 games for the Socceroos.
The Socceroos captain announced he was hanging up his boots on Monday night confirming his decision following ‘much deliberation’.
‘As a young boy growing up it was my dream to play for Australia and to pull on the famous green and gold shirt to represent my country,’ the 34-year-old began in a heartfelt message posted to social media.
‘To have been given the opportunity to not only fulfill that dream, but to have done it 79 times, and many of which as captain, makes me incredibly proud and thankful.
‘The countless unbelievable moments that I have experienced will stay with me forever, and I can honestly say that looking back I’ve had some of the best times of my life on the pitch playing for the Socceroos.’
The Socceroos captain announced he is hanging up his boots on Monday night confirming his decision following ‘much deliberation
‘To have been given the opportunity to not only fulfill that dream, but to have done it 79 times, and many of which as captain, makes me incredibly proud and thankful’
Mile Jedinak pictured with his wife Natalie Peacock. Jedinak announced his retirement on Monday
The midfielder expressed his ‘immense pride’ playing and representing his country and said words will never be able to do justice to explain what he feels.
‘I gave everything I had in every single game I played to try and achieve success for our nation.
‘However, after a huge amount of time reflecting and discussing with those closest with me, I feel that it is the right time to move aside in order to focus on my club football and prolonging that journey.’
He went on to list a few of the highlights of his career such as captaining the team to the Asian Cup glory in 2015, and scoring in two World Cups.
Mile Jedinak of Australia celebrates as he lifts the trophy after victory during the 2015 Asian Cup
‘I’ve tried to do you all proud every time I’ve stepped out on to the pitch. We have an exciting generation of players coming through and I now can’t wait to support the team in the future’
‘I would like to thank all of those who helped make it all possible. Thank you to everyone at the FFA, the team management and all of my teammates throughout the years. It’s been an incredible journey alongside you all.
‘Thank you to my family for your unwavering love and support throughout my international career.
‘And finally I have to say a special thank you to the Australian fans for believing in me and supporting me through thick and thin.
‘I’ve tried to do you all proud every time I’ve stepped out on to the pitch.’
Jedinak said he was upbeat about the Socceroos’ future under coach Graham Arnold.
‘We have an exciting generation of players coming through and I now can’t wait to support the team in the future.’
Football Federation Australia chairman Steven Lowy swiftly paid tribute to Jedinak’s contribution.
‘Mile has been a fantastic servant to Australian football over a long period of time and his leadership of the national team has been truly inspirational,’ he said.
FFA chief executive David Gallop added ambitious Australian footballers could look to Jedinak’s career for inspiration.
‘Mile is a great role model … through his determination, work ethic and skill, Mile has managed to achieve success at some of the highest levels of the game.’
Arnold admitted Jedinak would leave a significant void.
‘I congratulate Mile on a superb international career, and now look forward to seeing other squad members step up as Socceroos leaders after the international retirements of Mile and Tim Cahill,’ he said.
‘I would like to thank all of those who helped make it all possible. Thank you to everyone at the FFA, the team management and all of my teammates throughout the years’
Following his announcement fans sent their well wishes to the captain.
‘Thanks Jedi….you’re a deadset legend. One of our finest captains a great inspiration to all. We will miss you dearly on the field. Stay young man,’ one wrote.
‘Who’ll have the most sublime beard in world football now? Thanks Mike!’ another wrote.
‘Great service to your country Jedi,’ another wrote.
‘Thank you captain for your inspiring leadership and representing Australia with class,’ another wrote.
Jedinak married his long-term girlfriend Natalie Peacock in 2010, and have three kids.
Jedinak married his long-term girlfriend Natalie Peacock in 2010, and have three kids