Former Phoenix and City defender announces his retirement

Former Hyundai A-League defender Manny Muscat has called time on his playing career.

The 34-year-old, who has been playing with Green Gully in the Victorian NPL, confirmed the news on Thursday night after a 16-year career.

“The opportunities that led my to me A-League days included playing with Gully legends Dean Fak, Zoran Markovski, Dragan Nastevski, Jeffrey Fleming and the Vargas brothers,” Muscat said.

“Special thanks needs to go to my former coach who was a nine-time premiership coach, Ian Dobson.

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“I want to take this opportunity to say thanks to Green Gully SC and my family for all their support throughout my career, I’m looking forward to what lies ahead and spending quality time with my family.”

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Muscat, who also played nine games for Malta, started his career in Victory with Sunshine George Cross and Green Gully before joining Hyundai A-League outfit Wellington Phoenix in 2008.

The hard-nosed defender spent eight seasons in Wellington, playing 192 games for the club and scoring four goals.

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Muscat then joined Melbourne City in 2016, spending two seasons at AAMI Park and playing 37 games for the club.

After retiring from the Hyundai A-League at the end of last season, Muscat returned to Gully to play in the NPL but has decided to hang up the boots after this weekend’s clash with Oakleigh Cannons.

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