A-League: Macarthur FC captain Adam Federici announces retirement

Goalkeeper Adam Federici had been set to assume the captaincy at Macarthur FC this season but that has all changed.

The 2020/21 season was Federici's first in the A-League. (Photo by Graham Denholm/Getty Images)

Macarthur FC captain Adam Federici has announced his retirement from football just weeks out from the A-League men’s season.

The goalkeeper had been due to succeed Mark Milligan as the club’s captain for its second season in the A-League. Instead, a knee injury has forced him to join Milligan in retiring.

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Federici, 36, enjoyed a distinguished professional career. He played the bulk of it for Reading and was a member of the side’s squad for its first three seasons in the Premier League. After leaving Reading in 2015, he linked up with another Premier League outfit in AFC Bournemouth.

At international level, he represented the Socceroos on 16 occasions and also played for Australia at the 2008 Olympic Games.

Playing in the A-League for the first time, Federici featured in all 28 games of Macarthur’s 2020/21 campaign and said he was disappointed not to be wearing the armband at the Bulls next year.

“I have been so fortunate to have the career I’ve had. While I would’ve love to lead the Bulls this season, my body is in a different position and cannot continue,” he said.

“Through my journey I have played with wonderful coaches, players and clubs and I’m grateful that I got to finish my career on my home turf.

“I am honoured to have been able to represent Australia and my time with the national team will stay fondly in my memories forever. For now, my focus is to work on recovery, but I look forward to what the game has in store for me going forward.”

Macarthur says Federici will continue working with the club in an off-field capacity. (Photo by Brett Hemmings/Getty Images)

Macarthur head coach Ante Milicic thanked Federici for his commitment to the club.

“We’re very thankful for Adam joining us in our inaugural season. The fact that we could attract one of the best Australian goalkeepers was a great honour. To have someone of his calibre and experience in our inaugural season was a privilege,” he said.

“Adam has been an outstanding leader in the club, and we thank him for all his efforts. He has played a large role in shaping the club’s values and culture from the beginning and I am extremely proud of his journey so far with the Bulls.

“He has been a great role model for the younger players in the squad, having shared his experience and knowledge with them. It’s a sad day for Bulls fans knowing Adam won’t be part of the squad this season, but as a club we will help and support him through his rehab and continue the relationship built to extend in some way in the future.”

Macarthur rose above the logjam at the middle of the ladder and finished sixth in its first A-League season, qualifying for the finals. The Bulls defeated the Central Coast Mariners in the first week of the play-offs and advanced to the semi-finals, where they were defeated by eventual premiers Melbourne City.

Macarthur FC meets Wellington Phoenix on November 21 for its first game of the 2021/22 season.

Originally published as A-League: Macarthur FC captain Adam Federici announces retirement