He has played more than 300 games in the competition, won a Championship and is helping guide Wellington Phoenix towards the Hyundai A-League 2019 Finals Series.
It’s been some career for Phoenix skipper Andrew Durante and he received a memorable tribute over the weekend.
As well as having a testimonial dinner in his honour on Saturday night, Durante also received personal messages from a couple of Liverpool legends, including Steven Gerrard.
VIDEO | 🙌 Hoooooow gooood?! @A_Dura22 got a few messages from @LFC legends, Steven Gerrard & @officialbarnesy at his testimonial dinner on Saturday night.
🖤💛Amazing to see our global football community recognise our #Nix legend.#DuraTestimonial pic.twitter.com/r3A6XNw2DV
— Wellington Phoenix 🔥 (@WgtnPhoenixFC) March 24, 2019
“Just wanted to send you a short message, first of all, to congratulate you on an incredible domestic career and also internationally, 24 caps, so well done,” Gerrard said.
“Enjoy retirement, enjoy a stress-free life and hopefully one day I get a chance to meet you in person and I’ll be able to thank you for all the support you’ve given me and Liverpool over the years.
“I hear you’re a massive Liverpool fan, let’s hope this season is a success in the Champions League or Premier League and we can all be celebrating in the summer.
“Take care of yourself, love to the family, all the best.”
Former Reds and England star John Barnes also left a short message for the 36-year-old New Zealand international.
Durante, who became the first Hyundai A-League player to reach the 300-game mark, was part of Newcastle Jets’ 2008 Championship-winning team.
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One of the few remaining players from the competition’s inaugural season back in 2005/06, Durante is expected to call time on his illustrious career at the end of the current campaign.
And to celebrate the amazing impact he has had on Wellington since he joined the club in 2008, club chairman Rob Morrison revealed on Saturday night plans to retire his number 22 jersey.
Phoenix Chairman Rob Morrison announced at Andrew Durante’s testimonial last night the Phoenix #22 shirt will be retired when @A_Dura22 retires. A first in the @ALeague I believe. pic.twitter.com/YaRmYSS2Ih
— Jason Pine (@pineynz) March 23, 2019
