The Reds defender runs out at Hindmarsh Stadium for the final time on Wednesday night as the group leaders face Pohang Steelers in the Asian Champions League.

The 34 year-old will retire from professional football after the final group game in China against Changchun Yatai in a fortnight.

In looking over his career, Alagich is the first to acknowledge the influence of his former and present team mates and coaches, believing he would not have achieved what he has during his time in the game.

He said: “I have been privileged and honoured to play for such a great club and to have been a part of it since it started.

“It is an honour and I have been fortunate to be associated with some fantastic people and clubs during my time playing football, and I am extremely grateful and thankful for that because it is what has developed me into a player and a person.”

A national league career that has spanned 15 years, Alagich signalled last season that he would hang up his boots as a professional after the AFC Champions League Group Stage and says he has no qualms in the timing, even if the Reds were to qualify for the Quarter Final Stage to be played in September.

He said: “My final ambition is to hopefully be part of Adelaide United creating history and making the second round of the AFC Champions League.

“This Wednesday will be a massive game for the club. We’ve put ourselves in a great position but we greatly respect the talent that Pohang has and we will need to play really good football to get a result against them.”

With Brazilian defender Cassio’s long term injury, there has been speculation that Alagich may consider postponing retirement, however he is adamant that Wednesday night will be the final time he runs out onto Hindmarsh Stadium for Adelaide United.

He said: “I am extremely satisfied and content with my decision and to come back because Cassio is injured would be coming back for the wrong reasons.

“The club is not putting any pressure on me to continue and I know that they fully respect my decision.”

Reds coach Aurelio Vidmar, who played with Alagich in the first season of the club, holds the defender in the highest regard, both on and off the pitch.

He said: “Richie was our first club champion and that’s what he’s like as a person – a true champion.”

Alagich has played 267 games in Australia’s national league competitions, including 65 in the Hyundai A-League for Adelaide United, and if he plays in the club’s final two AFC Champions League matches, it will total 121 appearances for The Reds in all competitions since he signed as part of the club’s initial squad back in 2003.

After his retirement from professional football, Alagich plans to remain in Adelaide to assist with the development of junior football in South Australia, while he also hopes to continue to play in the local leagues and watch his two sons grow up and play the game.

With his eldest son already into his football, it may not be the final time Reds fans see the Alagich name run out for Adelaide United.