Australia captain Mile Jedinak announced his retirement from international football on Monday, three months out from the Socceroos’ AFC Asian Cup defence.

Jedinak is the only player to captain Australia at two FIFA World Cups™, having led the Green and Gold at Russia 2014, as well as four years earlier in Brazil.

“As a young boy growing up it was my dream to play for Australia and to pull on the famous green and gold shirt to represent my country,” said Jedinak.

"To have been given the opportunity to not only fulfill that dream, but to have done it 79 times, and many of which as captain, makes me incredibly proud and thankful.

"I gave everything I had in every single game I played to try and achieve success for our nation.”

The 34-year-old Jedinak confirmed he will continue to play for English Championship side Aston Villa where he has recently made the move to central defence.

Jedinak scored three World Cup goals, including two in Russia and, along with Tim Cahill, he is the only Australian to score at two World Cups.

Among other career highlights was captaining Australia to their only Asian Cup win and scoring a hat-trick in the intercontinental play-off against Honduras to help the Socceroos qualify for Russia 2018.

Jedinak has been Australia’s captain since being appointed to the role in March 2014.

"Mile has been a great leader for the Socceroos and a great player for Australia," said incoming Australia coach Graham Arnold.

"He is held in fantastic regard by his team-mates, the coaches and staff that have worked with him, as well as the fans.”

Mile Jedinak fact file 2010, 2014, 2018 FIFA World Cups (seven matches, three goals) 2015 AFC Asian Cup winner 2003 FIFA U-20 World Cup (two appearances) 79 caps (36 as captain) 20 goals