Sydney's Corica announces retirement

Sydney FC striker Steve Corica has announced he will retire at the conclusion of the A-League season.

The 36-year-old former Socceroo, who joined Sydney for the inaugural A-League campaign in 2005/06, announced his decision on Wednesday ahead of his side's minor premiership decider with Melbourne on Sunday.

Corica, who scored the winning goal in Sydney's only A-League championship in 2006, made over 490 appearances in a 20-year career that started with National Soccer League side Marconi Stallions.

He then enjoyed a 10-year spell in England with Leicester City, Wolves and Walsall, as well a brief stint in Japan with Sanfrecce Hiroshima.

Corica made 32 appearances for the Socceroos and scored five goals.

Corica revealed he made the decision to hang up his boots a month ago, and is determined to finish his career on a high by clinching the minor premiership.

"My body feels good but my gut feeling is to finish on a good note," said Corica.

"I have had a wonderful experience being with the club from the start and I have a great relationship with the fans.

"I have never won a minor premiership in my career so it would be good to win that and another grand final and that is my aim - to go out on a high."

Corica will remain at Sydney in a coaching capacity and will work with the club's youth team players next season.

Sydney coach Vitezslav Lavicka said he was pleased Corica will be involved with the club and tipped the 37-year-old to succeed in his new role.

"I am very happy for him and pleased he can continue at the club, he is the future of coaching."

- AAP