Brisbane Roar defender Andrew Packer has advised the club of his retirement from professional football, effective immediately.
Brisbane Roar defender Andrew Packer has advised the club of his retirement from professional football, effective immediately.
The club has agreed to mutually release Packer from the remainder of his contract to allow him to join the Australian Defence Force.
Ipswich-born Packer contacted Brisbane last week to inform the club-s management of his decision for a change in career path.
“I would like to thank the fans and club staff for their support over the last four seasons and wish the club every success in the future,” Packer said.
Brisbane coach Ange Postecoglou wished the 29-year-old all the best in his new career.
“I would personally like to thank Andrew for his service at the club,” Postecoglou said. “I wish him all the best in his new career.
“I am sure he will be extremely successful just as he was throughout his football career.
“He will be missed at Brisbane Roar, but we wish Andrew and his family all the very best for the future.”
Brisbane Roar chief executive Peter McLennan said the news had come as a shock to the club.
“Andrew has been a great servant to Brisbane Roar and an outstanding ambassador for Queensland football during his career,” McLennan said.
“He has achieved many honours domestically and he was renowned as one of the true gentlemen of the game.”
Packer played 87 games in the Hyundai A-League, 67 of those for the Roar.
The versatile defender collected four national titles during his career, three in the National Soccer League (Brisbane Strikers 1997, Sydney Olympic 01/02 and Perth Glory 03/04) and one in the Hyundai A-League (Sydney FC 05/06).
