Melbourne City FC have confirmed the retirement of Josh Kennedy from professional football.
The 32-year old striker has closed the curtain on a successful 15-year career which saw him play for clubs in three different countries and represent Australia on 36 occasions.
Kennedy represented the Socceroos at the 2006 and 2010 World Cups and is best remembered for scoring the crucial goal against Iraq which allowed his country to qualify for the 2014 tournament.
His club career, which took in stays in his native Australia as well as Germany and Japan, saw him play for Carlton SC, VfL Wolfsburg, Stuttgarter Kickers, FC Koln, Dynamo Dresden, FC Nurnberg, Karlsruher SC and Nagoya Grampus before he moved to Melbourne City in January 2015.
Of his decision to retire, Kennedy said: "I would like to thank Melbourne City for giving me the opportunity to come back and play in the A-League and their support over the last 6 months.
"Unfortunately the demands of professional football over the years has taken its toll on me physically and after consultation with family and friends, I've made the decision to step away from playing,
"I am extremely proud of my achievements throughout my career and grateful to have represented the Socceroos at the highest level. I would like to thank the people that have helped me achieve my goals along the way, especially my family and close friends."
ANNOUNCEMENT | Josh Kennedy retires from professional football #ThanksJK
Details: http://t.co/gfc3ExC7Behttps://t.co/BLHbPb8NIS
— Melbourne City FC (@MelbourneCity) June 26, 2015