By Michael Lynch
Melbourne City skipper Patrick Kisnorbo is hanging up his boots, the 35-year-old announcing on Sunday that he was retiring from the professional game after a 16-year career that saw him play in Australia, England, Scotland and for the Socceroos.
Kisnorbo's game was characterised by his uncompromising approach, and he displayed that quality in his 76 appearances in the three seasons he played at City.
Patrick Kisnorbo's game was characterised by his uncompromising approach.Credit: Getty Images
He will remain at the City Football Academy and begin a new chapter in his career, taking up a coaching position in the Club's youth system.
"For any footballer, the day you announce your retirement is inevitably a sad one," Kisnorbo said in a statement.
"But it also a time to reflect on your career as a whole, your achievements and I think now is the right time for me to step back and embark on a new challenge.
"My time in the A-League has been fantastic... the transition to coaching will be an exciting one; I've always wanted to move into coaching and it was just a matter of when that time was going to be."
Kisnorbo began his career in the NSL with South Melbourne as a teenage centre-half, moving to Scottish Premier League club Hearts in 2003.
He eventually moved down to England, playing at Leeds United and Leicester City, captaining the latter during their time in the Championship.
He also won 18 Australian caps and would most likely have made the squad for the 2010 World Cup but for injury.
Melbourne City Coach John van 't Schip said: "Patrick has been a loyal servant of our club and has had an incredibly successful and distinguished career in Australia and overseas.
"Considering his attributes as a leader and experienced professional, we are confident Patrick will transition into his coaching role well."