Injuries force Didulica retirement

AZ Alkmaar goalkeeper Joey Didulica has announced his retirement from football due to head and neck injuries he sustained with the Dutch club.

The Australian-born Croatia international made just 29 league appearances for the club in the five years he spent in Alkmaar.

Throughout his time at AZ, Didulica received many severe injuries, including a concussion after he was hit on the head with the ball just two months after his debut.

The 33-year-old shot-stopper has revealed that he has decided to hang up his gloves with immediate effect to avoid any more injuries.

“I will not get any more bangs on my head,” Didulica told the club’s official website. “I will not take any chances of going through what I’ve gone through again.”

“I thank AZ for the understanding and support they have shown me. I can say nothing but good things about the club.”

“Besides my injuries I have experienced many wonderful moments, including winning the championship.”

“I’ve met wonderful people and played under excellent coaches. It’s a difficult decision to quit football, but I look forward to the next chapter of my life.”

Didulica signed his first professional contract for Australian club North Geelong Warriors at 17-years-old before he joined Melbourne Knights.

He moved to the Netherlands in 1999 when he joined Ajax and two years later he was sent on loan to Germinal Beerschot.

In 2003 he joined Austria Vienna before returning to the Netherlands to play for AZ. His retirement announcement comes three days before his 34th birthday.

“We are very sorry that in this way we say goodbye to Joey,” AZ Director of General Affairs Toon Gerbrands said.

“Joey is an excellent keeper and the number of games that he has played for AZ does not represent his qualities.”

“Although physically he is fine, we fully understand his decision not to take risks and to stop his football career. We wish Joey the best for the rest of his life.”