The club today confirmed the return to their home clubs of loan stars Ritchie De Laet, Shay Harrison and Riley McGree and the release of Iacopo La Rocca and Young Socceroos keeper James Delianov, who has signed for new rivals Western United.

But City – who yesterday showed coach Warren Joyce the door – insists it is "focused on squad consistency and stability, with a large number of senior players and exciting youth prospects retained for next season and beyond".

Dean Bouzanis and Denis Genreau – both currently on loan in the Netherlands to PEC Zwolle – are also set to return to Melbourne for next season.

Galekovic, 37, exits as Melbourne City’s Player of the Year after registering nine clean sheets for the season – the second most in the league.

Galekovic achieved 288 appearances in the A-League – the most for a goalkeeper since the league began – as well as playing in the Asian Champions League and Club World Cup.

Galekovic also registered eight appearances for the Socceroos and won A-League Goalkeeper of the Year four times (the most by one player) and featured in the PFA Team of the Year five times.

“I’m sad to call it a day but proud of my career and what I have achieved,” said Galekovic.

“Thanks to my parents for giving me the opportunity from a young age to realise my dreams and thanks to my partner who has supported me in my journey.

“These past two season at City have been very rewarding and I’ve enjoyed sharing my experience and helping along the younger players. There is a lot of talent in the ranks at City and I’m sure success is just around the corner.”

Melbourne City FC Director of Football, Michael Petrillo added:“Eugene retires as one of the most decorated and capped Australian goalkeepers of a generation.

"His mentorship of our younger players over the past two seasons will have benefits for years to come."