Western Sydney Wanderers FC have tonight confirmed that A-Leagues legend Milos Ninkovic will hang up the boots at the end of the 2023/24 season.
An incredible career that has spanned close to 10 years in the domestic competition, Ninkovic arrived in the A-Leagues at the club’s cross-town rivals in 2015 and went on to make a remarkable impact on the Australian football landscape.
Ninkovic has won it all in the domestic competition – Three Premierships, Three Championships and Australia Cup and as an individual has won the Joe Marston Medal on two occasions and was named five times in the PFA’s A-League Team of the Year.
Ninkovic’s contribution to Australian football is immeasurable.
A maestro in the midfield and a leader and inspiration to the next generation, Ninkovic will forever be remembered as one of the greats of the A-Leagues competition.
The Western Sydney Wanderers Football Club will celebrate Ninkovic’s career and contribution to Australian football in their final regular season match against Melbourne City at the end of the season.
Ninkovic said the decision has been months in the making and thanked all those that played a part in his journey.
“I have been thinking over the last few months and I have made the decision that I will retire after this season. This season will be my last in the A-Leagues,” said Ninkovic.
“I started when I was six years old, I signed my first professional contract when I was 16 and this year I’m going to be 40. That’s 24 years of professional football. I really enjoyed every moment and I know when that last training session and game comes, that I’m going to be struggling emotionally.
“I love football and I know when I retire I will still be on the pitch. We will see what role it will be, but I want to stay and I’m happiest when I’m on the field.
“I think the most important moment of my career was when I came to the Wanderers. That was the first time where I wanted to stay here with my family but we had nowhere to go. We didn’t know what to do and we were in that difficult position.
“I want to thank the club – Chairman Mr Lederer, head coach Marko Rudan and Eddy Bosnar, as they gave me a chance. I will never forget this.
“I want to thank all my teammates and coaches. I want to thank the players I’ve played against as I’ve always tried to be better than them and they have pushed me to work hard to achieve what I have in my career.
“Especially, I want to thank my family and my wife, it has not been easy. My wife has understood everything and is one of the biggest reasons why I’m still playing.
“Finally, a thank you to the members and fans. I know everything looked strange when I came here, but thank you. It has been amazing.”
Head coach Marko Rudan congratulated Ninkovic on a special career so far.
“Milos has become synonymous with Australian football and will leave the professional game at the end of this season as a legend,” said Rudan.
“Milos has irreplaceable qualities and the entire club and community looks forward to celebrating his career against Melbourne City.”
