Ex-Wanderers skipper announces retirement

Former Western Sydney Wanderers skipper and Caltex Socceroos defender Robbie Cornthwaite has announced his retirement from professional football.

Cornthwaite, 32, made the announcement on Twitter on Monday afternoon.

He was currently halfway through a one-year deal with Malaysian outfit Perak TBG but has decided to hang up the boots effective immediately.

“I knew it was time when I was more excited to take up new passions and felt that football was no longer my priority,” Cornthwaite wrote on his Twitter account.

“It has been the most enjoyable 14 years and no one can ever take away the memories and achievements I worked so hard for.

“I can honestly say I feel I got the most out of my career and experienced everything the game has to offer.”

Cornthwaite rose to prominence in the Hyundai A-League with hometown club Adelaide United.

He spent six seasons with the Reds, making over 100 appearances and scoring four goals, as well as helping the club to the 2008 AFC Champions League final.

The rugged defender went on to play five seasons in Asian at Korean club Jeonnam Dragons as well as Selangor in Malaysia, before returning to the Hyundai A-League with the Wanderers.

In a season-and-a-half with the Wanderers, Cornthwaite made 35 appearances in all competitions, scoring two goals.

Cornthwaite also made seven appearances for the Caltex Socceroos and found the net on three occasions.