Michael Bridges has announced his retirement from professional football.
The 35-year old Newcastle Jets forward will officially call time on his extensive playing career at the end of the 2013/14 A-League season.
Bridges, who joined the Jets in 2009, admitted it was a thrill to have been a pro footballer for near-on two decades but suggested it was time to call it a day.
"When you play professionally for as long as I have you see the highs and lows of football," Bridges said.
"Thankfully I've been lucky enough to have great support around me throughout my career and I've loved and cherished every minute of it.
"Having the opportunity to play football for a living is something that I never took for granted and I'm extremely grateful for all the experiences I've had along the way."
Bridges, who has scored 12 goals in 65 appearances for the Jets, started his career in 1995 with Sunderland before moving to Leeds United in 1999.
Since then he has spent time with Newcastle United, Bolton, back to Sunderland, Bristol City, Carlisle United, Hull City, Sydney FC, back to Carlisle and MK Dons.
