Decorated former Socceroos captain Mark Milligan has today announced his retirement from professional football, following the conclusion of the current A-League campaign.
The 35-year-old retires as one of Australia’s most revered talents with a career spanning 19 years, regarded as an immensely diverse player interchanging between defence and midfield with ease.
He is best known for his two stints at the Melbourne Victory, during which he captained his side to the A-League championship in 2015, winning the Joe Marston Medal.
Milligan began his career as a teenager with the Northern Spirit and Blacktown City in the early 2000s, before switching to Sydney FC and the Newcastle Jets.
Milligan was no stranger to attention from overseas clubs, enjoying stints in China, Japan, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, England and Scotland.
The Macarthur captain was one of the club’s inaugural signings last year, featuring in all but one game this season for the Bulls.
“I have been so fortunate to have the career I’ve had.
Through my journey I have been lucky enough to play with some wonderful players, coaches, clubs and in some fantastic parts of the world.” Milligan said.
Milligan is one of Australia’s most decorated internationals having played 80 games for the Socceroos, featuring in the squads for 2006, 2010, 2014 and 2018 editions of the FIFA World Cup and winning the 2015 Asian Cup on home soil.
“I am honoured to have been able to represent Australia on multiple occasions and my time with the national team will stay fondly in my memories forever.”
Macarthur head coach Ante Milicic expressed his gratefulness to have had Milligan at Macarthur this season.
“As a coach you want to attract quality and experienced leaders to your club. Mark’s faith and belief in the vision we have for this club is a testament to his character”
Macarthur also announced that Milligan will be taking up an assistant role at the club from next season and beyond.
Image supplied – Macarthur FC
