19th May 2021 8:47 PM | Updated: 9:06 PM
Retiring A-League appearances record-holder Andrew Durante has been described as an “unsung hero” of Australian football.
At 39, Western United defender Durante will call time on his career at the end of this season.
Durante has made 414 national league appearances, with his 356 in the A-League being a competition record.
It’s fitting Durante announced his impending retirement on Wednesday, with United meeting the veteran’s former club Wellington Phoenix on Saturday night in New Zealand.
Durante’s spent the bulk of his A-League career with the Phoenix, making 272 appearances for the Kiwi club.
Such was the length of his stint with the Phoenix, Durante gained New Zealand citizenship and represented the All White on 24 occasions.
A-League legend to retire
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A-League legend to retire
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The 35-year-old has been a stalwart at the Roar since arriving in 2014, twice winning the club s player of the year award and being named A-League goalkeeper of the year in 2017-18.
Young showed his importance again on Saturday as he made important late saves to deny Wellington Phoenix in a goalless draw at a waterlogged Moreton Daily Stadium.
That result leaves the Roar eighth on the ladder with 27 points, just a point behind sixth-placed Western United in the race for finals.
Although he s contracted with the Roar until the end of the 2021-22 season, it is understood Young has been given permission to speak to other clubs.