The former Socceroos skipper surprised all with his decision, confirmed through a club statement, late this afternoon.

Jets coach Gary Van Egmond told au.fourfourtwo.com just last week that Okon would be a definite starter this season.

Okon says he did intend to play the next A-League season but that his body can no longer cope with the injuries and demand of professional football.

“Paul’s departure is unfortunate from the Club’s perspective but we thank him for all he gave us, in what we now know, was the final year of his career, said Jets CEO George Liolio.

"It is a mark of Paul’s professionalism that in a week when the Club has had to re-examine its approach to the upcoming season after Nick Carle’s departure, Paul has opted to make this decision now rather than continue on and disrupt us closer to the start of the season.”

“We are so honoured to have had Paul as a part of our organisation and his influence will be felt for years to come. With Nick [Carle] and Paul moving on, and so many exciting new players coming to the Club along with the core from last year, these are exciting times and I know that our fans will come to love the Jets Mark III as much as they loved Jets Mark II,” said George.

Okon's career saw him playing for some of the biggest teams both here and abroad. He has turned out for Marconi Stallions, Club Brugge, Lazio, Fiorentina and Leeds amongst others.