Football Federation Australia today acknowledged the outstanding international career of Mile Jedinak after the Aston Villa FC player called time on his involvement with the Caltex Socceroos.
Jedinak – who represented Australia on 79 occasions and scored 20 international goals between 2008 and 2018 – announced his retirement from international football on Monday.
FFA Chairman Mr Steven Lowy AM said Jedinak had left an incredible legacy after captaining Australia at two FIFA World Cups (2014 and 2018), and an AFC Asian Cup (2015).
“Mile Jedinak has been a fantastic servant to Australian football over a long period of time and his leadership of the national team has been truly inspirational,” Lowy said. “He is the only male player in the history of Australian football to captain Australia at two FIFA World Cups and was the first and only Australian captain to lead the Socceroos to an AFC Asian Cup title.”
“On behalf of the Australian football family I would like to thank Mile for his contribution to the game in Australia and wish him well for the remainder of his club career,” he said.
FFA Chief Executive Officer Mr David Gallop AM echoed Lowy’s sentiments, and added that ambitious Australian footballers could look to Jedinak’s career for inspiration.
“Mile is a great role model for Australian footballers,” Gallop said. “The Hyundai A-League provided a springboard for Mile back into Europe, and through his determination, work-ethic, and skill, Mile has managed to achieve success at some of the highest levels of the game.”
“Mile’s three goals at FIFA World Cups, including two this year in Russia, makes him our second top goalscorer in FIFA World Cup history,” he said.
Caltex Socceroos Head Coach Graham Arnold also paid tribute to Jedinak.
“Mile has been great leader for the Socceroos and great player for Australia,” Arnold said. “He is held in fantastic regard by his teammates, the coaches and staff that have worked with him, as well as the fans.”
“I congratulate Mile on a superb international career, and now look forward to seeing other squad members step up as Socceroos leaders after the international retirements of Mile and Tim Cahill,” he said.