Socceroos star Aaron Mooy has announced his sudden retirement from football for both club and country.
Mooy, who had another year to run on his contract with Celtic was a prominent figure for the national team, earning 57 caps for Australia including appearances at both the 2018 and 2022 World Cups.
The Aussie’s issues with back injuries, which resulted in a limited role for Celtic in the second half of its season, is likely to have caused the decision.
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The midfielder made his Socceroos debut in 2012 against Guam, scoring in a 9-0 victory.
In announcing his retirement, Mooy spoke of his pride in playing for the national team.
“I’ve been lucky enough to live out my dreams of playing for Australia,” he 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 comradery amongst the group is something I’ll never forget.
“This has been a hugely difficult decision [to retire], but I feel the time is right for the next generation to be given the opportunity to experience international football.
“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.”
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Mooy made his club debut for St Mirren in Scotland before stints at Western Sydney Wanderers, Melbourne City, Manchester City, Huddersfield Town, Brighton & Hove Albion, Shanghai Port and Celtic.
In 2015, Mooy went on to make seven appearances for the Socceroos in the calendar year – his most to date – coinciding with a stellar A-League season for Melbourne City.
The midfielder finished his career by winning the Scottish treble of the Scottish League Cup, Scottish Cup and Scottish Premiership under fellow Aussie Ange Postecoglou.
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Socceroos coach Graham Arnold paid respect to Mooy for his efforts in the national jersey.
“We saw Aaron’s qualities as a player on full display in Qatar, he was tremendous throughout the World Cup and integral to us reaching the Round of 16,” he said.
“I thought the same watching him in [the 2018 World Cup in] Russia, he was able to rise to the occasion on football’s biggest stage and show just how talented he truly is.
“A player like Aaron is a joy to coach, an exceptional talent who embodied the spirit of the Socceroos every time he took the pitch.
“Aaron would be the first to say he was never the most vocal of players, but he had his own way of leading the group – through his actions. I think that’s something that a lot of our players will have learnt from over the years, he’s left a huge mark on this team and the individuals within it.”
Socceroos captain Mathew Ryan lauded Mooy’s legacy.
“What he’s been able to achieve in his career has helped pave the way for the next generation, and we’re now seeing that through the young, Australian talent playing club football overseas and those entering the national team set-up,” he said.
Brendan Rodgers, who has replaced Postecoglou at Celtic after the Australian’s move to Tottenham, spoke of his disappointment at losing Mooy for the treble defence.
“Clearly we are disappointed that Aaron will be retiring, however, it is something we absolutely respect,” he said.
“He has done so much in the game for a number of clubs and for his country and he deserves to make this decision on his own terms.”
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