Sydney FC skipper Alex Wilkinson announces retirement from football

An A-League great has retired from football after a decorated career that included Socceroos honours and titles in Australia and South Korea.

A-League great Alex Wilkinson has called time on his stellar career.

The former Socceroos defender has retired from football after a 21-year senior journey that has included 620 appearances for club and country.

A Sydney FC player since 2016, Wilkinson, 38, led the Sky Blues to the season’s A-League finals, where they bowed out one match short of a grand final appearance.

Wilkinson’s on-field career ends with a host of honours

He is the only man to have won five A-League premierships and has also claimed three A-League championships, two South Korean club titles, an Australia Cup crown and the 2015 AFC Asian Cup with the Socceroos.

“My football career has given me more than I could have ever hoped for, and it has provided me with lasting relationships, experiences and memories that I will carry with me forever,” he said.

“I want to especially thank my family, my wife and two kids who have travelled with me all over the world and sacrificed so much for me to live my dream, (and) my mum, dad and sister who have supported me unconditionally from day one.

“I feel now is the right time to retire and I am looking forward to the next chapter in my life.”

A-League great Alex Wilkinson has retired from football. Picture: Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images

Wilkinson made his senior debut for Northern Spirit in the NSL in 2002 and has also had club stints with the Central Coast Mariners, Jiangsu (China), Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors (South Korea) and Melbourne City.

Sydney coach Steve Corica described Wilkinson’s career as “stunning”.

“He has won every major domestic trophy and is not only a great footballer but also a great person,” Corica said.

“He is the ultimate professional, sets high standards for our players on the pitch and as a great leader, drives the culture off it.

“He played in the very first A-League grand final 18 years ago and is still able to perform to the highest standards, coming within one game of finishing in another.

“I wish him all the best for the future.”

Sky Blues chairman Scott Barlow said Wilkinson would be remembered as one of “Australian football’s greatest players”.

“He is a phenomenal leader, a consummate professional, a tireless competitor on the field and a true gentleman off it,” Barlow said.

“Alex leads by example and inspires those around him to perform at their best.

“He has been a central figure in our club’s greatest achievements over the last seven years.

“His legacy of success may go unsurpassed in the Australian game.

“Alex has all the qualities we value highly and we will be speaking to him about opportunities to remain at the club in other capacities.”

Wilkinson was grateful to “everyone” at the Sky Blues, for whom he made 221 appearances in all competitions.

“I owe everyone at Sydney FC a huge thank you for firstly allowing me to be a part of this wonderful club for such an extended period of time, but secondly for making my time here so thoroughly enjoyable,” he said.

“From Scott Barlow to Steve Corica and especially all my teammates, I am so grateful for all your support.”