Adelaide United legend and ex-Caltex Socceroos forward Bruce Djite has announced his retirement from football.
Djite, 32, was most recently playing for Indonesian club PSM Makassar before returning to Australia last year.
“I’ve had a few opportunities come up that interested me more than going to training every day, so that’s when you know,” Djite explained to foxsports.com.au.
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“You need that burning desire to be your best and to go to training every day, to improve every day – you’ve got to dedicate your life to it.
“I’d rather do different things, so that’s when I knew.
“When it’s not your ultimate priority, and other things interest you more than running onto the field every day, you know.”
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Djite has played in Turkey, China and Korea Republic, as well as eight seasons in the Hyundai A-League with Adelaide (seven) and Gold Coast United (2010/11). He moved to Indonesia in 2018.
The striker’s last contribution on home soil was guiding the Reds to their maiden championship win in 2015/16, in which Djite scored 11 goals in all competitions.
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Capped nine times by the Caltex Socceroos, the Marconi Stallions youth also won the FFA Cup with Adelaide in 2014.
“I still love the game, I’ll still be involved in the game, but just not on the field in a playing capacity,” Djite said.
“I’ve had a lot of support throughout my career and I’m very grateful. I’m thankful to my family for the sacrifices they’ve had to make, and to everyone who has supported me along the way – fans, coaches, teammates, the media and the whole football industry.”
