The Roar
The Roar

Advertisement

Jedinak calls time on Socceroos career

Mile Jedinak of Australia looks on during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group C match between France and Australia at Kazan Arena on June 16, 2018 in Kazan, Russia. (Photo by Matthew Ashton - AMA/Getty Images)
1st October, 2018
2

Socceroos captain and veteran defender Mile Jedinak has announced his immediate retirement from international football, forcing a leadership revamp for next year’s Asian Cup defence.

Jedinak, 34, who currently plays for Aston Villa in England’s second-tier Championship, released the news through Instagram on Monday.

“I can confirm that after much deliberation I have made the decision to retire from playing international football,” he wrote.

“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.

“To have been given the opportunity to not only fulfil that dream, but to have done it 79 times, and many of which as captain, makes me incredibly proud and thankful.

“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.”

Jedinak, who made his senior international debut in 2008, had considered extending his international career past this year’s World Cup in Russia but opted to bow out.

“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.”

Advertisement

“Looking back, I feel blessed to be able to leave with memories that will last a lifetime. The feeling of captaining our country to Asian Cup glory in 2015, and to have been able to contribute to achieving success for Australia, will stay with me forever.

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,” he wrote.

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.”

Advertisement

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.

close