Matthieu Delpierre has announced he is retiring from professional football.
The French defender has enjoyed a massively successful career that spans 17 years and includes a Bundesliga title with VfB Stuttgart as well as stints with Lille, Hoffenheim and Utrecht.
Since making the move to Melbourne Victory in 2014, Delpierre made 34 appearances for the three-time A-League champions and was instrumental in the third leg of that trifecta, a clinical double-winning season, despite missing much of that campaign with injury.
Alex Wilkinson leaves Melbourne City for Sydney FC
He was an ever-present throughout the 2015-16 season and continues to be in Victory’s current ACL campaign, missing only one match.
Now 35, Delpierre said the time was right for him to hang up the boots.
“It was a difficult decision for me to make, but I believe now is the right time to finish my career,” he said.
“I want to thank everyone at Melbourne Victory for making this my home for the last two years, and I will never forget the time I spent here. It has been an honour to represent this club.
“My team mates have been a pleasure to play with, Kevin Muscat and the coaching staff have been extremely supportive, and the Victory fans have shown me the greatest respect.
“Hopefully, I can continue to contribute in the next few weeks and help the team qualify for the next stage of the Champions League.”
Melbourne Victory manager Muscat said Delpierre provided an example of professionalism throughout his time at Victory, labelling him a “pleasure” to coach.
“Matthieu has been a superb contributor to Melbourne Victory over the last two seasons. Since the day he arrived, he has demonstrated true professionalism and provided a fine example to our playing group, both on and off the pitch,” Muscat said.
“He has been a pleasure to coach. He will be missed by everyone at the club, but definitely not forgotten.
“We wish him all the best in his retirement and congratulate him on everything he has achieved in a fine career.”
Delpierre is guaranteed a farewell in a Victory kit, either against Gamba Osaka on 3 May or beyond that should the Big V win the match.
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