Socceroos and Celtic star Aaron Mooy has called time on his football career, announcing his retirement at the age of just 32.
A two-time World Cup player for Australia with 57 caps for his nation which included seven goals, Mooy will leave a massive hole in the national set up.
Stream Over 50 Sports Live & On-Demand with Kayo. New to Kayo? Start your free trial now >
But the tributes have flowed for the Western Sydney born star who has played for some of the biggest clubs in the world.
Having started in the A-League with the Western Sydney Wanderers and Melbourne City, Mooy joined Premier League giants Manchester City, where he was loaned to Huddersfield Town.
He played 111 matches for the club as well as 31 more for Brighton & Hove Albion.
He also played for Shanghai Port before finishing his career with Celtic and the Scottish treble – the Scottish League Cup, Scottish Cup and Scottish Premiership.
Mooy said he had lived his dream in playing for Australia for over a decade.
“As a young kid, starting out in football you watch the national team on TV and imagine yourself there one day – to have lived that is something I’m truly grateful for,” Mooy said.
“I’ve had the honour of playing alongside some of the best footballers that Australia has produced, creating lifelong friendships along the way.
“I wanted to thank my teammates, coaches and the backroom staff for all their support and guidance during my time with the Socceroos, the camaraderie amongst the group is something I’ll never forget.
“This has been a hugely difficult decision, but I feel the time is right for the next generation to be given the opportunity to experience international football.
“As a group we were able to set a new bar (in Qatar) for the Socceroos and I believe we have the talent coming through to build upon that as work begins towards 2026.”
It was a shock decision however as Socceroos coach Graham Arnold was hoping to have Mooy in his side for the next Asian Cup in January and the next World Cup in the US, Canada and Mexico in 2026.
Mooy was reportedly considering retirement at the beginning of last year amid a contract dispute with Shanghai Port and grief over the death of his brother.
The tributes have come thick and fast for the football star with Arnold leading the way.
“We saw Aaron’s qualities as a player on full display in Qatar, he was tremendous throughout the World Cup and integral to us reaching the Round of 16,” Arnold said.
“I thought the same watching him in [the 2018 World Cup] Russia, he was able to rise to the occasion on football’s biggest stage and show just how talented he truly is.
“A player like Aaron is a joy to coach, an exceptional talent who embodied the spirit of the Socceroos every time he took the pitch.
“Aaron would be the first to say he was never the most vocal of players, but he had his own way of leading the group – through his actions. I think that’s something that a lot of our players will have learnt from over the years, he’s left a huge mark on this team and the individuals within it.”
Aussie skipper Mat Ryan said Mooy would be missed.
“What he’s been able to achieve in his career has helped pave the way for the next generation, and we’re now seeing that through the young, Australian talent playing club football overseas and those entering the national team set up,” he said.
“I know he’s not one for the attention an announcement like this brings, but I think it’s important we celebrate what Aaron’s done for the Socceroos and Australian football.”
Asian football writer for The Asian Game Martin Lowe wrote: “One of the more prominent players behind my love of Asian football and writing.
“Aaron Mooy, to me, personified Asia’s ability to produce unknown, written off, top-quality footballers capable of succeeding at the highest level.
“Those early morning wakeups will long stay with me.”
Digital producer at A-Leagues Sacha Pisani posted: “A man of few words but an absolute delight to watch on the football field. The Aussie Iniesta.
“Bows out treble winner with Celtic & one of the finest players to wear a #Socceroos jersey.
“Thanks for the memories, Aaron Mooy.”
Sports writer for The Celtic Way Ryan McGinlay commented: “Sad news about Aaron Mooy but it’s great he’s bowing out on a high. He made a great impact last season.”