Football
Reuters 5y

Australia's Mile Jedinak quits international football after 79 appearances

Australia midfielder Mile Jedinak announced his retirement from international football on Monday, bringing to an end a 79-cap career that included leading the Socceroos at two World Cups.

Aston Villa player Jedinak captained his country at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil and this year's tournament in Russia, having also led them to an Asian Cup triumph on home soil in 2015.

The 34-year-old announced his decision in an Instagram post three months before Australia launch their continental title defence in the United Arab Emirates.

"I can confirm that after much deliberation I have made the decision to retire from playing international football," he wrote.

"As a young boy growing up, it was my dream to play for Australia and to pull on the famous green and gold shirt to represent my country.

"To have been given the opportunity to not only fulfil that dream, but to have done it 79 times, many of them as captain, makes me incredibly proud and thankful."

Jedinak, who also played at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, scored 20 goals for Australia including two in the group stage exit in Russia.

"It is an enormous privilege to represent your country and one I did not take lightly," Jedinak said. "Words will never be able to do justice the feeling of immense pride I felt when representing Australia.

"I gave everything I had in every single game I played to try and achieve success for our nation.

"However, after a huge amount of time reflecting and discussing with those closest with me, I feel that it is the right time to move aside in order to focus on my club football and prolonging that journey."

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