Former Hyundai A-League Grand Final winner Fahid Ben Khalfallah has announced his retirement following Brisbane Roar’s exit from the Finals Series.
The 35-year-old called time on a decorated career shortly after a 2-0 loss to Melbourne City ended Roar’s campaign.
Ben Khalfallah scored one goal in 24 league appearances during his single-season stay in Brisbane.
He was previously a fan favourite at Melbourne Victory, winning the Premiers Plate, championship and FFA Cup all in 2015.
“I enjoyed, I loved it, and that’s it. Sometimes it’s just time to stop and do something else,” Ben Khalfallah told Fox Sports.
“It’s hard because I’ve been doing it for 18 years now as a professional.
“I wanted to focus on the final so I spoke with John [Aloisi] a couple of weeks ago and told him I’m done.
“I’m grateful to Victory for giving me a chance and Brisbane Roar, even if we had a hard season.
“We’ve been through things I couldn’t have imagined. But that’s life and now I’m going to do something else.”
Although he was born in France, Ben Khalfallah won 14 caps for Tunisia between 2008 and 2011.
He made his name in Ligue 1 with the likes of Caen and Bordeaux, lifting the Coupe de France with the latter.
But the attacking midfielder says Grand Final success with Victory remains one of his proudest moments.
“I loved being with Victory. Three years there, it was just amazing,” he said.
“When we won the Grand Final at home it was one of the best feelings I’ve had as a soccer player.
“And with John and Ross [Aloisi] I’ve had an amazing relationship. I would like to thank everyone at Victory and at Brisbane Roar.”
