Aaron Mooy announces retirement from football | OneFootball

Celtic midfielder Aaron Mooy has announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 32.

Mooy earned his first professional contract with then-Premier League side Bolton Wanderers in 2009.

However, he didn’t make a senior appearance for the Trotters and later moved to St Mirren when his contract expired in 2010.

Following two seasons in Scotland, he transferred to his native Australia, signing for Western Sydney Wanderers.

Months after transferring to the A-League, he made his international debut for the Socceroos against Guam.

He scored five goals in two years with the Wanderers, helping them win one league title. He later signed for Melbourne City, where he netted 24 goals in 58 appearances.

This form attracted the attention of Manchester City, who signed him on a three-year contract. Six days later, he was sent out on loan to Huddersfield Town.

The Australian enjoyed the finest years of his career with the Terriers. He was named Huddersfield’s Player of the Year in his first season, and also featured in the PFA Championship Team of the Year for 2016/17, after helping his side win promotion via the play-offs. He was later signed on a permanent deal worth up to £10 million.

The midfielder continued to be a huge influence at the John Smith’s Stadium. He scored seven Premier League goals in the next two seasons, including a strike in a memorable 2-1 home victory over Manchester United.

Following Huddersfield’s relegation in 2019, Mooy transferred to Brighton and Hove Albion, initially on loan before making the deal permanent six months later. He featured 32 times for the Seagulls, notching two goals and two assists.

At the end of the season, he joined Chinese Super League outfit Shanghai SIPG after they activated his release clause. He spent two years in China, scoring six goals in 31 appearances.

The final move of his career came last summer when he signed for Scottish giants Celtic. The Bhoys gave him his first taste of Champions League football, featuring in five of their six group stage matches.

He later helped Ange Postecoglou’s side win three trophies. He started in the Scottish League Cup final victory over bitter rivals Rangers, scored three goals in their run to Scottish Cup glory and appeared 29 times in their triumphant league campaign.

Throughout his career, he has also been a regular on the international stage. The midfielder has won 57 caps for Australia, including seven at World Cups.

Mooy has now confirmed his retirement from professional football. Speaking to Celtic’s official website, the 32-year-old said: “While it feels really sad to be leaving the game, I just feel the time is right for me.

I have been so fortunate to enjoy such a great career across the last 15 years, creating some fantastic memories.

“I am delighted to finish my career on such a high with Celtic and I would like to thank all the fans for the great support they gave me during the past year – 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 and so many great people who are involved there.”