Stefanutto to retire from top-flight football

Brisbane Roar defender Shane Stefanutto has decided to retire from top-flight football and will hang up his boots at the end of the A-League season.

The 36 year-old left back won three championships with the Roar in a career that included 134 A-League appearances at Suncorp Stadium.

Stefanutto gained three Socceroos caps while completing a short stint with North Queensland Fury, five seasons in Norway with Lillestrom and Lyn and six years with the Brisbane Striker.

“When it’s all done, you realise how privileged you were to be in a position like this,” Stefanutto said in a message on the Roar website.

“I think back to all the wonderful times we have had, the premierships, the trophies ... all the friends and the battles we had on the field, they are all special things.

“It is something I will definitely miss now but have enjoyed across the whole journey.

“The club (the Roar) has a culture — something that’s really special.

“It’s sad that I am not going to be playing any more but I am excited for those players who will be Brisbane Roar next season and years beyond.”

Roar coach John Aloisi praised Stefanutto’s commitment to the oranges.

“You knew with Stef you were always getting 110 per cent whether it was in the game, on the training field or in the dressing room,” Aloisi said.

“He is a leader on and off the pitch and retires having given this club everything he had.

“I speak on behalf of everyone associated with the club in saying thank you Shane for a wonderful career.”

Stefanutto's retirement comes a day after striker Jean Carlos Solorzano was let go by the club and in the same week that midfielder Devante Clut left Brisbane to join Newcastle Jets.