Adelaide United lose Slory: Dutchman calls it quits

Adelaide United midfielder Andy Slory has announced his retirement from professional football and will return to the Netherlands to start a new business venture.

Slory made 11 appearances for United since joining the Reds in January’s transfer window, but felt he’d lost the drive to continue playing at a professional level.

“I want to thank Rini (Coolen), the club and particularly the football department because I have developed a really good relationship with them,” Slory said.

“I owe a lot to Rini for getting me to Australia because he wanted me to come here and help me to get my love of the game back.”

“Now I just want to go a different way and I want to thank everyone at the club for giving me such a wonderful time and I look forward to coming back here one day to watch the team play.”

“But nobody can change my mind and I’ve thought about it and it’s been playing on my mind for a very long time, and I’ve made a decision to go back to my family and friends in Holland.”

Head Coach Rini Coolen is still confident that Slory could perform at the highest level, but accepted the 29-year-old’s decision to hang up his boots.

“Andy is a very good footballer. I still believe he can be one of the best players in the league and he is one of those players that has individual qualities who can change and decide a game,” Coolen said.

“I fully respect his decision, I know it is one he has not taken lightly and he goes with mine and the club’s best wishes.”