Retiring Corica wants to finish on a high with Sydney

Retiring Sydney FC captain Steve Corica believes his body could go on but wants to experience finishing his career on a high.

The 36-year old today announced his retirement from the game at a professional playing level and although he feels he could go around again, wants to taste success with the Sky Blues in his last few games, which includes the 2009/10 A-League finals series.

“My body probably could go for another year but I want to finish on good note and I have done that,” Corica said. “I have played well this season and so has the team.

“I have a great chance to finish on a winning note, especially with this weekend’s game and the upcoming finals.”

Corica, who began his career with Marconi Stallions back in 1990, had plenty of people to thank and memories to reflect on over a stellar 20-odd years in the game which also took him to England and Japan.

“I want to thank my family for everything they have done for me. We have moved to a lot of places over the years but they have always supported and been there for me. I want to thank my parents and brother and family in Queensland, my wife Sandra and my children Teshana, Chloe and Jake. They are the most important thing in my life,” he added.

“The reason I did it today is so I can give the fans a chance to see me play. I want to thank the fans for their support. I have a great relationship with them and want to see them get behind us on Sunday. I want to thank them for getting behind me and the team over the last five years. They have been fantastic to me.

“The goal I scored in the 2005 A-League Grand Final is one of the greatest moments of my career. It is alongside playing for Australia, in particular at two Olympic Games. Playing overseas was a wonderful experience and is for any player.

“I want to thank Sydney FC the club for everything we have achieved over the last five seasons.

“There were many highs and some lows in my career, like when I missed 15 months of football when I was playing with Wolverhampton with knee injuries but that is part of the game.

“My time in Japan was one of the best experiences of my career. I scored a lot of goals and it was great to experience a different style of football. It really was two of the best years of my career.”