Celtic confirm midfield ace has QUIT the club in shock decision days before Brendan Rodgers’ second spell kicks off

CELTIC have confirmed Aaron Mooy has quit the club – and the game.

The Australian international has announced his retirement from football this morning.

Kenny RamsayThe Socceroos midfielder is a popular star with the fans[/caption]

GettyMooy was a star in the World Cup and picked up 57 caps[/caption]

Rumours had swirled over the 32-year-old’s future for several weeks.

And reports in his homeland put the shock announcement down to a ‘debilitating back injury’.

The squad is due to meet up on Monday ahead of Brendan Rodgers’ first training session, but they will do so without the fan favourite.

Mooy was a free transfer signing last season and took time to get up to speed – but when he did he won the Hoops fans’ hearts.

He popped up with several key goals in the second half of the season – including a double at Easter Road – as the team marched to a second league title.

Quoted in the Sydney Morning Herald, he said: “I’ve been lucky enough to live out my dreams of playing for Australia.

“As a young kid, starting out in football, you watch the national team on TV and imagine yourself there one day – to have lived that is something I’m truly grateful for.

“I’ve had the honour of playing alongside some of the best footballers that Australia has produced, creating lifelong friendships along the way.

“I wanted to thank my teammates, coaches and the backroom staff for all their support and guidance during my time with the Socceroos, the camaraderie amongst the group is something I’ll never forget.

“This has been a hugely difficult decision [to retire], but I feel the time is right for the next generation to be given the opportunity to experience international football.”

His silver-laden year at Celtic was not Mooy’s first experience of Scotland – he previously played for St Mirren after a spell in England.

He can also count City group clubs Manchester City and Melbourne on his CV and played almost 100 games in the English Premier League for Brighton and Hove Albion and Huddersfield Town.

#CelticFC midfielder & Australian internationalist Aaron Mooy today announced his intention to retire from football with immediate effect.

Aaron played a crucial role in our recent record-breaking Treble & we wish him the best for the future

Thank you, @AaronMooy

— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) June 30, 2023

Celtic confirmed the news and said: “Celtic FC midfielder & Australian internationalist Aaron Mooy today announced his intention to retire from football with immediate effect.

“Aaron played a crucial role in our recent record-breaking Treble & we wish him the best for the future.

Incoming boss Brendan Rodgers paid tribute and 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.”

The news comes as another hit to the Hoops squad as Portuguese winger Jota is lined up for a mega-money move to Saudi Arabia.

Reports in the country have linked the 24-year-old with Al-Ittihad in a deal worth more than £20million.

Previous club Benfica would be due a slice of the transfer fee but the winger could fetch eye-watering wages in the region of £192,000 in Jeddah.

Super agent Jorge Mendes is currently brokering the deal for his client and will ensure he’s not shortchanged with clubs in the country continuing to splash the cash.

Ex-Wolves and Spurs boss Nuno Espirito Santo and Scots coach Ian Cathro are currently in charge at the Jeddah club and boast N’golo Kante and Karim Benzema in their ranks.

Crisitano Ronaldo kick-started the stream of players heading to the gulf state in January when he joined Al-Nassr.

Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page