In the annals of Australian football, few imports have made such a lasting impact as Milos Ninkovic. This Serbian magician, with his awe-inspiring skills and humble demeanor, has decided to bid farewell to the game after a glorious career filled with trophies and accolades. Ninkovic, who will turn 40 later this year, made the emotional announcement to his Western Sydney Wanderers teammates last week, indicating that the current A-League Men season will be his last.
While injury troubles have plagued him this season, Ninkovic's reputation as one of the greatest overseas signings in the A-League era is undeniable. His arrival at Sydney FC in 2015 marked the beginning of a truly extraordinary chapter. Alongside Thomas Broich, he is one of only two players to have won the prestigious Johnny Warren Medal twice. The midfield maestro lifted three championships, three premierships, and an Australia Cup during his time with the Sky Blues before contentious circumstances led to his move to the Wanderers in 2022, reigniting the intensity of the Sydney derby.
Despite his unwavering passion for the game and razor-sharp mind, Ninkovic admits that his body has begun to signal that it's time to step away from professional play. Speaking to AAP, the veteran expressed his deep appreciation for the joy football has brought him in Australia, comparing it favorably to his time spent at Dynamo Kyiv. 'I want to be remembered as a player who gave everything every time,' Ninkovic proclaimed. While his collection of trophies is undoubtedly impressive, it is the respect he displayed for both his teammates and opponents that he holds in highest regard.
Throughout his career, Ninkovic showcased his talents on 241 occasions, scoring 40 goals for both Sydney FC and the Wanderers. His footballing prowess extended beyond Australian shores, with stints in Ukraine and Serbia accompanied by 28 national team appearances, including a memorable journey to the 2010 World Cup. The tournament remains Ninkovic's greatest achievement to date, forever etching his name in football history.
As he bids farewell to the pitch, Ninkovic is already setting his sights on a future in coaching. Eager to impart his knowledge and passion for the game, he has begun working on his coaching qualifications in preparation for his role as a coach at Western Sydney. Ninkovic revealed that Wanderers coach Marko Rudan has expressed interest in having him as a second assistant, highlighting the respect and admiration he has garnered within the football community.
Should coaching not be the path that awaits him, Ninkovic's eldest daughter Angelina, aged 12, and son Novak, aged 5, may continue the family's footballing legacy. Angelina has expressed her dreams of one day playing for the Matildas, while Novak's future loyalties remain undecided between Serbia and the Socceroos. Regardless, Ninkovic cherishes the opportunity to spend more time with his children and nurture their love for the beautiful game.
As Milos Ninkovic prepares to hang up his boots, Australian football bids farewell to a true legend. The impact he has made, both on and off the field, will be remembered for years to come. With his skills, humility, and unwavering dedication, Ninkovic has left an indelible mark on football in Australia. As he concludes this chapter of his life, we eagerly await the next steps in his coaching career and can only imagine the profound influence he will have on future generations of athletes.
