MetroStars defender Ivan Karlovic, who has played over 200 South Australian League matches, will retire at the completion of the 2011 Devine Super League season. Karlovic, who led MetroStars as their captain between 2006 and 2010, has succumbed to continuous injuries and felt it was the right time to complete his playing career.   “I have had Chronic knee problems which I have had to deal with over the last few years and they have finally taken their toll both physically and mentally,” mentioned Karlovic.   Karlovic made his senior debut for Raiders in 1999, before joining Adelaide City in the National Soccer League in 2000 for three seasons playing 39 matches and moved to play for Sydney Olympic for one season in 2003/04.   Karlovic first arrived at MetroStars in 2004 and was part of the treble winning side that won the Premier League (now Super League) League Championship and Minor Premiership, along with the Federation Cup in the same year.   “My time at MetroStars has been a wonderful experience for myself and my family. I have made many good friends over the journey and had many wonderful memories during my time at the club which I will hold close to my heart,” said Karlovic.   MetroStars President Tony Taormina and Senior Coach David Terminello paid tribute to Karlovic.   “MetroStars farewells Ivan Karlovic, one of our first true Club greats. Ivan is a Champion in every respect and his presence on the field will be sadly missed. He will leave a huge whole to fill. I thank Ivan for the wonderfully memories and I hope the boys can give him the send off he just deserves,” said Taormina .   “Ivan has been a loyal long serving member of the club. His reputation as a class player and a fierce competitor is second to none in the competition in my opinion. He has been the cornerstone of many successful campaigns for MetroStars and has carried himself at all times as a true professional. The experience that we lose as a club will be very hard to replace, and I only hope that one day he decides to give back to the game by coaching as he has many experiences and knowledge to offer.” said Terminello.   Karlovic is focussed on helping guide the club to their third title before determining his future plans.   “I haven't given too much thought into my future plans. I see myself being involved in some sort of capacity because I owe it to the club (MetroStars) who have given me so much in my 8 years there. At the moment I just want to put all my energy into finishing the season on a high.”   Karlovic captained South Australia in all three state matches he represented, in 2006 against Miami FC, 2007 versus Adelaide United and the 2008 match against Western Australia .   Karlovic is currently third in the most matches played for MetroStars behind current team mates David Menechella and Daniel Godley.  

IVAN KARLOVIC
 
National League Matches – 44      (39 Adelaide City, 5 Sydney Olympic)
National League Goals – 1            (1 Adelaide City)
 
SA League Matches – 204             (170 MetroStars, 34 Raiders)   
SA League Goals – 27                   (27 MetroStars)      
       
SA State Matches –    3

Captain                                           2006 to 2010 (MetroStars)
Club Champion                               2004, 2010 (MetroStars)
League Championships                  2004, 2009 (MetroStars)
Federation Cup                               2004, 2008 (MetroStars)
Minor Premierships                       2004, 2005, 2009, 2010, 2011 (MetroStars)