Professional Footballers Australia (PFA) has today paid tribute to Josh Kennedy after the forward announced his immediate retirement from professional football.
The decision by the Albury-Wodonga born and raised player brings down the curtain on a stellar career, which included two World Cup Finals appearances and 20 goals in the green and gold.
On the club front the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) graduate excelled at the very highest levels of the game in the Bundesliga and in the J-League.
PFA Chief Executive Adam Vivian paid tribute to Kennedy describing his contribution to Australian football as truly remarkable.
“The goal that Josh scored to send the Socceroos through to the 2014 World Cup Finals will forever live in the memories of all football fans,” said Vivian.
“Whilst this was an enormous achievement in itself this was just part of his contribution to Australian football. On and off the pitch he was a credit to the game and like many of his peers he once again demonstrated that our players are able to excel at the very highest levels of the game.
“On behalf of all our members I would like to wish Josh and his family all the very best and sincerely thank him for the contribution he has made to the game.”
PFA President Matt McKay echoed Vivian’s comments and said the forward would go down in Australian football folklore.
“On the pitch Josh was someone that the country very much came to rely on and he was always willing to assume responsibility even in the most difficult of circumstances,” said McKay.
“Having been a long serving member of the PFA’s Socceroos Committee Josh’s contribution to the wellbeing of the game and to that of his fellow professionals was hugely significant and on behalf of all our members I would like to thank him for this.
“Finally I wish him and his family all the very best for the future.”
Media
Beau Busch | PFA Media and Communications Manager
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