Matthew Spiranovic has called time on his impressive career, with the veteran Melbourne Victory centre-back succumbing to a foot injury.
Spiranovic had been restricted to four Isuzu UTE A-League appearances for bottom side Victory this season, prompting the former Socceroo to hang up his boots.
The 34-year-old was a key contributor in 2021-22, having been lured to Victory following a two-year absence, as Tony Popovic’s team reached the A-League Men semi-final and won the Australia Cup.
Spiranovic ends his career with Asian Cup, AFC Champions League, Australia Cup and DFB-Pokal honours to go with two A-Leagues Premierships at Western Sydney Wanderers and Perth Glory.
“After suffering an ongoing foot injury for the last four months, the time has come for me to hang up the boots,” Spiranovic said.
“It is with mixed emotions, as I would have loved nothing more than to finish the season and help get Melbourne Victory back to the top.
“I would like to thank my teammates, all the coaching staff, Tony Popovic and the entire club for the support and great times we’ve had together. Overall, I feel very blessed and proud of the career that I’ve been fortunate enough to have.
“To all my past clubs, teammates, coaches and fans, thank you for all the fond memories and special moments.”
Spiranovic started his professional career at Victory before making the move to German club Nurnberg in 2007.
During his time at Nurnberg, Spiranovic was part of the team that won the 2006-07 DFB-Pokal against Stuttgart.
A switch to Japanese juggernaut Urawa Diamonds followed, and he was a J1 League runner-up while in Japan.
Spiranovic also spent time at Al-Arabi and Hangzhou Greentown but it’s at the Wanderers and Glory, where the 36-time Socceroo flourished – winning Premierships at both clubs, while he got his hands on the Champions League via Western Sydney.
After conquering Asia with the Wanderers in 2014, he soared to the top of the AFC the following year after Ange Postecoglou’s Socceroos won the Asian Cup.
Victory head coach Tony Popovic added: “Matty is a player I have spent many years mentoring and working with, and he is an extremely talented defender who has been a consummate professional in everything he has done, on and off the pitch.
“He is a player that has set an example and has led with his actions and I’ve been lucky enough to be a part of his journey and have witnessed what he’s been able to contribute to football.
“Only the most talented players can leave football for an extended period and contribute the way they did to our squad last season and personally, I have enormous respect for Matty as a footballer and as a person.
“I feel honoured and privileged to have coached Matty. Together, we have had success and won trophies at three different clubs. He has been an incredible servant to the game, and we wish him the best on what’s next in his life after football.”
