Former Manchester City and Bolton Wanderers midfielder Aaron Mooy has announced his retirement from professional football aged just 32.
Mooy joined Celtic from Chinese side Shanghai Port last summer and played a pivotal role in the Scottish club's successful season, which saw them secure a treble. Across all competitions, he scored seven goals in 42 appearances as Celtic clinched the Scottish Premiership title and triumphed in domestic cups.
Mooy represented Australia in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, playing in all four matches as his country reached the last-16 stage before being eliminated by eventual champions Argentina.
According to reports from Australia, Mooy's decision to retire early is attributed to a debilitating back injury. The Sydney Morning Herald claims that this injury is the reason behind his retirement.
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Mooy began his football journey at Bolton and made his professional debut for St Mirren in 2010. After spending four seasons in Australia, he was signed by City but did not make a single appearance for the first team.
City loaned him to Huddersfield Town, with Mooy going on to play a significant role in Huddersfield's promotion to the Premier League in 2017, featuring in 65 matches during their two-year tenure in the top flight. He later had stints at Brighton before moving to China in 2020.
Mooy told Celtic’s website: "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'm delighted to finish my career on such a high for Celtic, and I would like to thank the fans for all the great support they gave me during the past year - I was delighted to be part of such a memorable season."
Returning Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers said: "Clearly we are disappointed that Aaron will be retiring; however, it is something we absolutely respect. He has done so much in the game for a number of clubs and for his country, and he deserves 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."
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