Aaron Mooy’s wife Nicola provided an interesting insight into a footballer’s life when she posted an emotional message on social media to mark her husband’s announcement yesterday morning that he was hanging up his boots with immediate effect.
Aaron Mooy celebrates with teammates after scoring during the Scottish Cup Fourth Round match between Celtic and Greenock Morton at Celtic Park Stadium on January 21, 2023 (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
Mrs Mooy’s heartfelt and emotional message to her man reads as follows:
The years of grind and sacrifices, the everyday pain and regimented lifestyle, the heartaches from relegation, the euphoria from promotion, the pure elation from scoring, the joy from assists, the controlled diets, the feeling that you can’t breathe from running so hard, the missing out on milestones in our babies lives, playing in two World Cups, winning the treble, all now distant memories.
The reality of being a footballer isn’t all sunshine, but you are ours. You have made me so incredibly proud. Lets enjoy life now, no strings baby @aaronmooy
Celtic announced the news that the hugely popular midfielder was calling it a day on his playing career early yesterday morning, via the club’s official website. And it was there that Aaron Mooy explained his reasons for retiring at this stage despite having a year left on his two year contract at the Treble winners.
“While it feels really sad to be leaving the game, I just feel the time is right for me. I have been so fortunate to enjoy such a great career across the last 15 years, creating some fantastic memories. I am delighted to finish my career on such a high with Celtic and I would like to thank all the fans for the great support they gave me during the past year – I was delighted to be part of such a memorable season.
St Johnstone v Celtic – Aaron Mooy celebrates scoring during the cinch Premiership match at McDiarmid Park, Perth. Sunday February 5, 2023. Photo Andrew Milligan
“I hope Celtic continue to dominate the game and I wish Brendan, the new manager great success with the great group of lads at the club.
“Playing for my country is something I have loved too and of course I will miss the international set up and so many great people who are involved there. I have been fortunate to win a number of caps for my country and this has been really important to me – of course I wish Australia nothing but success for the future and I am sure they can get better and better.
“There are too many people to thank who have played such an important role in my career, so many managers, coaches, staff and fellow players. I have been very privileged to be part of some fantastic football environments, all created by really good people.
“My family is everything to me and I would like to take this opportunity to thank them all for the absolute support I have received from them during my career. I just want to thank them for being there for me in so many ways.
“Thank you once again to everyone who has supported me right across my career in this great game.”
The club also released this short video as a tribute to Aaron Mooy who had just the one season at the club but certainly made his mark and contributed greatly to the success enjoyed by the club.
Speaking on behalf of the club, new manager Brendan Rodgers said: “Clearly we are disappointed that Aaron will be retiring, however, it is something we absolutely respect. He has done so much in the game for a number of clubs and for his country and he deserves to make this decision on his own terms.
“I am delighted for Aaron that he has gone out on a real high after making such a telling contribution to Celtic last season and that, together with all his other achievements, should be a real source of pride to him.
“Club football and the international game will miss him dearly, but on behalf of everyone at Celtic I send Aaron and his family our heartfelt best wishes for the future.”
Best of luck to Aaron, Nicola and the weans and enjoy the beach!