You know you're a legend when people come up to you and tell you you're their idol.
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That's Mark Milligan in a nutshell.
A legend.
A glistening career is coming to an end for the Macarthur FC captain and former Socceroo captain.
The 35-year-old announced he would retire at the end of the A-League season on Wednesday, June 2 and many football fans across the country would have gotten their tissues out upon hearing the news.
Macarthur FC, who are in partnership with the Southern Tablelands Football Association and the Highlands Soccer Association, have qualified for the A-League finals so he will have at least one more match left in him.
Following this season, he will join the club's coaching ranks.
Milligan represented his country at four FIFA World Cups, three Asian Cups, the 2017 FIFA Confederation Cup as captain and the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, totalling 80 international caps for his country.
The man, commonly known as Millsy, will leave the sport with no regrets.
"I have been so fortunate to have the career I've had," Milligan said.
"Through my journey I have been lucky enough to play with some wonderful players, coaches, clubs and in some fantastic parts of the world.
"So many people gave up so much for me to achieve my dreams of a being a professional footballer, none more so than my family.
"I have decided that now is the time for me to not only give back to them, but to the game that has given me so much.
"Seeing the emergence of so many young talented Australian players, not only at my club but across the league, made it clear to me it was the perfect time to start the transition into the next chapter of my life and footballing career.
"I am forever grateful for the experiences I have been offered through the game both for club and country.
"I am honoured to have been able to represent Australia on multiple occasions and my time with the national team will stay fondly in my memories forever.
"I am excited to see what the game has in store for me going forward."
Macarthur FC play the Central Coast Mariners in their elimination final before taking on last year's runners up Melbourne City should they progress.
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