Sydney FC veteran Steve Corica has confirmed he will retire at the end of the current Hyundai A-League season.
An emotional Corica informed his Sydney FC team-mates this season would be his last on Wednesday morning before going public at a packed media conference at Sydney’s Star City Casino.
The likeable veteran, one of three remaining foundation players still on the Sky Blues roster, will continue his association with the club as a junior development coach from next season.
The news comes just five days before Sydney hosts league-leaders Melbourne in a match to decide the 2009/10 premiers, ensuring the 36-year-old receives an emotional farewell at the SFS on Sunday.
“My body probably could go for another year but I want to finish on a good note and I’ve done that,” a composed Corica said of his decision to end his career after 21 years in the professional ranks.
“I have played well this season and so has the team. I have a great chance to finish on a good note, especially with this weekend’s game and the upcoming finals.”
“I want to thank my family for everything they have done for me. We have moved to a lot of places over the years but they have always supported me and been there for me.”
“The reason I did it today is so I can give the fans a chance to see me play. I want to thank the fans for their support. I have a great relationship with them and want to see them get behind us on Sunday. I want to thank them for getting behind me and the team over the last five years. They have been fantastic to me.”
Corica has played 103 games in the sky blue, scoring 24 goals including the winner in the inaugural Hyundai A-League Grand Final in 2005/06.
He won 32 caps for Australian between 1993-2006, finding the back of the net on five occasions.
After stints in England with Leicester, Wolves and Walsall – and two seasons in Japan with Sanfreece – Corica joined Sydney FC for the first season of the Hyundai A-League.
