Bengaluru FC's veteran defender, Aleksandar Jovanovic, who on Friday announced his decision to retire from professional football at the end of the season, expressed his desire to finish on a high by winning a trophy.

The Australian centre-back, who joined Indian Super League (ISL) side Bengaluru FC in 2022, has played a key role in the team's success. Reflecting on his journey, Jovanovic shared insights into the decision to bring his career to a close.

Born in Sydney, Australia, Jovanovic began his professional football career with Parramatta before moving abroad. He spent a significant period playing in Serbia and later had stints in Thailand, South Korea, and China before arriving in India.

With over 230 professional appearances to his name, Jovanovic has made a substantial impact at Bengaluru FC, helping the team reach the ISL final and lifting the Durand Cup in 2022. As he prepares to transition away from professional football, he acknowledged the emotional and practical aspects of this decision.

"It's been in the back of my head for quite a while. Like, sort of the older you get, it starts to play with you a little bit. But as they say, all good things come to an end. It just feels like the time is right now to spend with my family and look to the future," he said.

Jovanovic also reflected on his childhood dream of becoming a footballer and how his career has given him the opportunity to build a stable future for his family.

"Yeah, as a kid, you know, at first you start off playing for fun and you don't know where it's going to take you. But yeah, I am very grateful for what football has done for me. To be able to provide for my family," he shared.

However, the Australian defender also highlighted the sacrifices that come with being a professional athlete. He spoke about the personal challenges he faced, particularly the difficulty of balancing football and family life.

"The perception of being a footballer is like, just kick a ball and get paid big money, which obviously is not the reality. Yeah, for sure, you are missing out on all the family events and whatnot. I missed out on the birth of my first child. But all that comes with the sacrifice," he stated.

Looking ahead to the remainder of the season, Jovanovic remains determined to help Bengaluru FC secure silverware. The Blues are set to face FC Goa over two legs in the semi-finals, with a potential shot at the ISL Cup final.

"Yeah, 100%, I don't think there's a better way to finish your career than lifting a trophy. So I think we're in a good position. There are still two trophies left to win. And I really think that BFC has the team to do it this season. For me, it's now or never. I hope that can be a motivation for the other players. And yeah, I hope to finish the season on a high," he asserted.

As he nears the end of his playing days, Jovanovic expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Bengaluru FC supporters who have backed him throughout his tenure at the club.

"Yeah, thanks for having my back, always. Always did my best, always tried to please you guys. Left my heart on the field. Hope you accept the player I was. Thank you for being with me," he concluded.