Adelaide United champion and West Adelaide star recruit Marcelo Carrusca has called it quits to focus on coaching academy

Star West Adelaide recruit and former Adelaide United champion Marcelo Carrusca has called it quits, effective immediately, to focus on his coaching academy.

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Adelaide United legend Marcelo Carrusca has pulled the pin on his illustrious career, saying it’s time to put all of his energy into his coaching academy and his young family.

In a shock announcement Carrusca, 35, said he had thought about ending his playing days long before signing for West Adelaide in SA’s NPL this season.

He made the snap decision to tell the world he was giving playing up via Instagram on Wednesday night.

Marcelo Carrusca in action for West Adelaide against Adelaide Blue Eagles in the NPL in March. Picture: Joe Janko

“I thought long and hard about it, I thought I could keep going, one more year but then I decided no, I wasn’t enjoying it anymore,’’ Carrusca said, revealing he would now settle in Adelaide to raise his family after earning Australian citizenship in 2017.

“There was a lot of things that led to the decision but I had a superb professional career for 17 years.”

West Adelaide chairman Alex Alexandrou said it was sad to see Carrusca retire but it appeared inevitable.

“I’m not surprised he was trying to play on but it wasn’t happening for him,” he said.

“Maybe he was trying too hard and whether him not playing all that much A-League for the last two years played a part.

“It was difficult it’s almost like he was embarrassed to play and not being able to perform to the level he expects.

“Maybe other players would have kept playing and got paid to see the season out, we have to respect him for that.

“But he is great for our club with all the other stuff involving our juniors.”

The former Argentine under 20 international made his senior debut with his local club Estudiantes de La Plata before transferring to Turkish giant Galatasaray for about $3 million in 2006.

He then played for a number of clubs including a stint in Mexico, went back to Argentina to play for various clubs and Galatasaray before settling with Adelaide United in 2012.

He spent five years at the club winning the FFA Cup, A-League premiership and championship after claiming the title with Galatasaray before having a split one season stint at Melbourne City and Western Sydney.

He won the The Advertiser/Channel 7 golden boots award and also the Reds player’s player of the year.

“It’s a sad feeling that I’m not going to play but then OK I was thinking the day will come and now it has,’’ Carrusca said.

“It’s not sadness, there’s melancholy but this is another chapter of my life.

“I started my coaching academy a couple of years ago because in my mind I was getting ready for this day.

Adelaide United legend Marcelo Carrusca will now concentrate on his coaching academy after announcing his retirement. Carrusca is pictured with kids Luca Ventura, 8, and Georgia Ventura, 10, from his soccer academy. Naomi Jellicoe

“I’m doing something I really love, teaching the kids, and telling my story about my career like how training every day if you’re serious is a must among other things you need to be a professional.

“I spoke to the young people at Adelaide Uni the other day and I enjoy doing that too.

“As well as coaching with the knowledge I got I want to pass it on to help the young Australians enjoy football.

“Now I want to enjoy the game in other ways.”

Carrusca represented West Adelaide four times this season after an A-League career spanning 129 games, 26 goals and 13 assists.

Follow @ValMigliaccio