Mile Jedinak announces retirement from football aged 35

| 11 July 2020

Mile Jedinak announces retirement from football aged 35

The Australia international said it is "time for a new chapter".

Former Crystal Palace and Aston Villa midfielder Mile Jedinak has confirmed his retirement from football at the age of 35.

The Australia international, who was released from Villa's playing staff at end of last season, confirmed the news in a post on his official Instagram account.

Jedinak wrote: "I was a young boy from Western Australia with a dream to play professional football.

View this post on Instagram

I was a young boy from Western Sydney with a dream to play professional football. My journey to reach that goal was full of so many experiences, challenges and memories that will always be cherished. I want to thank all the clubs I represented for allowing me the opportunity to do so. Coaches, staff, teammates, supporters you all played your part so thank you. A huge thank you to my whole family for supporting me through the years, special mention to my parents for showing me the values and belief in order for me to chase my Dream. Last but not least to my wife and children thank you for being my biggest fans it's meant the world. To my boys, dream big and never stop chasing your dreams. ⚽️ It's now time for a new chapter.

A post shared by Mile Jedinak (@milejedinak15) on Jul 11, 2020 at 1:12pm PDT

"My journey to reach that goal was full of so many experiences, challenges and memories that will always be cherished.

"I want to thank all the clubs I represented or allowing me the opportunity to do so.

"It is now time for a new chapter."

Congratulations to Mile Jedinak on his retirement from football.

❤️💙 A leader of men and a club legend. #CPFC pic.twitter.com/NJiT68qZNL

— Crystal Palace F.C. (@CPFC) July 11, 2020

Jedinak made his biggest impact at Palace, where he made 165 appearances between 2011 and 2016, helping the Eagles secure promotion back to the Premier League.

In a message on the club's official Twitter feed, Palace wrote: "Congratulations to Mile Jedinak on his retirement from football. A leader of men and a club legend."

Jedinak also made 79 appearances for Australia, featuring in three World Cup finals before announcing his retirement from international football in October 2018.