Midfielder Mile Jedinak announced his retirement from soccer over the weekend. The 35-year-old Australian made this decision after not playing since in late 2018.
Jedinak, who served as captain for Australia’s national team, was without a club since being released by Aston Villa at the end of the 2018–19 season. He was linked with a return to the homeland and playing for Macarthur FC, but the two sides never made it past exploratory talks.
“I was a young boy from Western Sydney with a dream to play professional football,” Jedinak wrote on social media. “My journey to reach that goal was full of so many experiences, challenges, and memories that will always be cherished.”
Jedinak went on to thank “all the clubs I represented,” as well as “coaches, staff, teammates, and supporters.”
“It’s now time for a new chapter,” he added.
Even before retiring, Mile Jedinak embarked on a coaching career and became a part of the staff at Aston Villa’s youth academy. He is expected to have an expanded role with the youth team now that he’s officially retired as a professional player.
Throughout his career, Jedinak played with Sydney United, Crystal Palace and Villa among other teams. He also represented Australia 79 times, serving as a captain for the 2014 World Cup and win at AFC Asian Cup in 2015.
