Aaron Mooy Retires From Football at 32
Australian midfielder Aaron Mooy has announced his retirement from football at the age of 32. Mooy, who played 57 times for his country, still had a year left on his contract at Scottish champions Celtic. He told the club’s website: “While it feels really sad to be leaving the game, I just feel the time is right.”
Celtic Manager Brendan Rodgers expressed his disappointment at Mooy’s retirement but said the decision was “something we absolutely respect”.
Early Career
Sydney-born Mooy came through the youth ranks at Bolton Wanderers, but gained his initial experience of first-team football at St Mirren. Moves to Western Sydney Wanderers, Melbourne City, Manchester City, Huddersfield Town, Brighton and Shanghai Port followed before he joined Celtic last summer to play under former Australia boss Ange Postecoglou.
Success with Celtic
Mooy made 41 appearances, scoring seven times, as Celtic secured a domestic treble and also played for his country at last year’s World Cup finals in Qatar. “I am delighted to finish my career on such a high with Celtic,” he said. “I was delighted to be part of such a memorable season. Playing for my country is something I have loved too and, of course, I will miss the international set-up. I have been fortunate to win a number of caps for my country and this has been really important to me.”
Rodgers said Mooy deserved “to make this decision on his own terms”. “I am delighted for Aaron that he has gone out on a real high after making such a telling contribution to Celtic last season and that, together with all his other achievements, should be a real source of pride to him,” he added.
Conclusion
Aaron Mooy has had an impressive career in football and will be remembered for his achievements both domestically and internationally. His retirement from the game is a sad moment for fans of Celtic and Australia alike, but it is clear that Mooy has made the right decision for himself and his family.