Sydney FC’s captain and most decorated player Alex Brosque is to retire from professional football at the end of this season.
35-year old Brosque will bring down the curtain on his 18-year career after the Sky Blues’ final game of the current campaign.
Brosque is Sydney FC’s most successful captain with four trophies and the club’s all-time leading goalscorer (82 goals) and appearance maker (264 apps).
He has won more honours than anyone who has played for the club, including two Hyundai A-League Championships, three Premier’s Plates, one FFA Cup title and three Player of the Year awards.
He is also the club’s leading appearance maker in the AFC Champions League competition (16 apps), as well as the club’s joint leading goalscorer in Asia (4 goals).
The former Socceroo has also scored more goals (6) than any other player in Sydney Derby history.
Sydney FC Chairman Scott Barlow believes Brosque’s career record at Sydney FC will last for many years.
“Alex Brosque is unquestionably Sydney FC’s greatest ever player,” he said.
“He has given this club the best part of his career and along with it an enormous amount of success.
“He is a true leader, the ultimate competitor and one of the most genuine people in the game.
“He will leave a legacy and a playing record which may never be surpassed in Sydney FC history.”
Sydney FC Head Coach Steve Corica praised the effect Brosque has had on the club and Sky Blues’ captain’s achievements.
“Alex Brosque is a name synonymous with Sydney FC and his list of records are incredible,” he said.
“As captain he has led by example and it is no surprise the enormous success we have had under his leadership.
“He is hugely respected by the playing group and staff and everyone throughout football, and his final appearances will be landmark games for the club.
“Our intention is to send him out on a high with another piece of silverware,” he concluded.
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On announcing his retirement Brosque said he had been humbled by the life football has given him.
“Football and Sydney FC has allowed me to have some of the most incredible experiences I could ever have imagined,” he said.
“To have been able to do something I’ve loved ever since I was a young boy, and for this long, is incredibly humbling.
“But after 18 years playing the game, I feel the time is right now to retire.
“This club, and its Members have been fantastic for me and the connection I have with them is something I will carry with me forever.
“I owe all of our Members and everyone at the club from Scott Barlow to Steve Corica and all of my team mates over the years, a huge debt of thanks for their support.
“I’ve also never really thanked my family publicly for their support and I’m glad now I can do that.
“From the very beginning my mum and dad have supported me along with my brother and sister.
“My wife and three daughters have travelled everywhere with me, and have been there for me throughout.
“It has been an unbelievable journey and I’m glad it’s not over yet. I’m looking forward to finishing this season on high.”
Brosque will see out his remaining games for the Sky Blues with another Hyundai A-League Championship a very real possibility.
However, his legacy will remain with the Sky Blues for many years and it is hoped he will be around the club long into the future.
“Our intention is to keep Alex involved with the club in some capacity and we will start talks with him shortly about exactly what that might be,” added Chairman Scott Barlow.
Sydney FC’s final Hyundai A-League home game of the regular season against Perth Glory at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium this Thursday will become a celebration of Brosque’s time at the club when Members and fans will get the opportunity to thank the Sky Blues captain for his service.
