North Eastern MetroStars wishes to advise that David Menechella has announced his retirement from playing after 19 seasons in the top flight of South Australian state league football. 

Menechella, made his senior debut in 1997 with Campbelltown City and joined MetroStars in 2002, led MetroStars as captain to their first League Championship in 2014, played 366 matches (282 with MetroStars), won one National NPL title, three League Championships, three Federation Cups, 8 Minor Premierships and was a dual Club Champion Medallist. 

The Menechella name has been synonymous with South Australian state league football since the mid 1990s, with David and his brothers Michael and Daniel collectively playing over 1000 senior matches. 

“After an unfortunate onfield injury recently,  I have decided that this was the right time to retire from senior football,” said Menechella. 

Menechella was thankful for all the well wishes he received. 

“Thank you to everyone for all your support over my playing career both at Campbelltown City and MetroStars. The few days have been overwhelming with the amount of support I have receive. I would like to thank the club for giving me one last match on Saturday against Pirates,” said Menechella. 

Menechella especially thanked the support from MetroStars. 

“To all the MetroStars’ committee members, volunteers, coaching staff, players, sponsors and supporters past and present, I can't thank you enough for making Saturday so special for myself and my family.” 

“There are moments in life that we wish we could bottle and go back to every now and then; and this was one of them.” 

“To have my family, friends, past players and coaches there to share this special moment, I don't think I could have scripted it any better.” 

“MetroStars, my second family, forever in my heart, a true soccer club on and off the park.” said Menechella. 

MetroStars’ President Andrew Perrone praised one of the club’s finest players of all time. 

“On Saturday we sadly said goodbye to the “Maldini of MetroStars", one of our favourite all time defenders and past captain David Menechella, after an unfortunate on field injury has forced his retirement,” said Perrone. 

“David has been part of a formidable backline since joining MetroStars in 2002 alongside team mates Lee Robertson, Adam Van Dommele, Michael D’Aloisio and Daniel Godley.” 

“David has been involved in every major title at the club, a track record that will be tough to repeat, but an inspiration to the next generation of youngsters to strive for.” 

Perrone announced that for season 2016 of the National Premier League – SA that the club would retire his playing shirt number. 

“The number 2 shirt will be retired in 2016 to commemorate David’s career. Please join me in congratulating this club champion and marvellous icon of the game,” said Perrone. 

Current MetroStars’ Senior Coach and former team mate Michael Pirone said Menechella was respected both on and off the field. 

“David has been an ornament to not only MetroStars, but to Football in this state for the best part of 20 years. He has won everything available - Minor Premierships, League Championships, Federation Cups and the NPL title,” mentioned Pirone.

“As an opponent, I played directly against David over many years and I have to say he was the toughest, most skilled right sided player I played against, but he was also the fairest. He had my respect as a player from the first minute to the last and he made you earn every touch you got. More importantly he has the respect of every single person at our club, not just as a player, but firstly as a person.”

“It was my privilege to play against, with and then coach David. I can only wish David all the best in his retirement, he deserves every accolade that has come his way,” said Pirone. 

David Menechella 

Senior Career – 1997 to 2015
366 Matches (282 MetroStars, 84 Campbelltown City)
1 National NPL title (MetroStars)
3 SA League titles (MetroStars)
3 Federation Cup Titles (MetroStars)
8 Minor Premierships (MetroStars)
2 Club Champion Medals (MetroStars)
FFSA Player Life Member 

* Matches includes on SA League, Cup & Finals & FFA Finals & Cup matches only.