Kalac, 37, played his last game on Sunday at Edensor Park for a Sydney United side laced with some familiar faces included Craig Moore, Tony Popovic, Mark Rudan and Ante Milicic.

The keeper's side were defeated 2-0 by Newcastle Jets with goals from Ali Abbas and Jeremy Brockie in the first half.

The result was of less importance on a day when around 3000 fans came to see their hero for the last time. Kalac was substituted with around 10 minutes left to a standing ovation and numerous well-wishers on the park.

In 2006, Kalac handed over the gloves to long-time rival Mark Schwarzer on an emotional night in Brisbane in October 2006 when a number of other Socceroos such as Popovic and Stan Lazaridis also retired.

"I couldn't have asked for a better way to go out. The day I finished with the national team in Brisbane was fantastic and this at the old Edensor Park, even better," Kalac said after the game.

Before Sunday's game, Kalac was presented with a plaque by Sydney United president Sam Krslovic before the game while accompanied by his son Oliver.

"I don't miss it, at the moment. I made the right decision to stop at the top," said Kalac.

"I probably would've been a little disappointed if things had gone a little sour and then I walked away when things went bad so I finished on the top.

"It's the right decision - when the body says no more you can't fight against that."

Kalac played 15 years overseas after making his name at United in the early to mid-90s before moving to Europe. His career highlight, he said, was winning the Champions League with AC Milan during his four years at the Italian giant from 2005.

His lowlight was the 1997 NSL grand final when United were beaten by Brisbane Strikers at Suncorp.

"We had the best team Australia had seen in years and we just didn't turn up on grand final day - that was pretty bad," Kalac said.

Back then United were coached by Branko Culina who was coached the Jets on Sunday.

The big keeper is eyeing a possible future career in the media but for the moment is planning a trip to Croatia in two weeks to enjoy some sun with another old mate, Mark Viduka.

As for Spider's future, and the big keeper is eying the media but for the moment is planning a trip to Croatia in two weeks to enjoy some sun with another old mate, Mark Viduka.

Viduka was to have played in Sunday's game but a family issue arose in Croatia meaning he had to fly out of Australia in recent days, explained organisers. 

Kalac added: "My feet were killing me because it was the hardest goalmouth I ever played on in my life.

"But other than that it was fantastic,  a great day and great to see so many people back at this stadium, a fabulous stadium, great memories here and great to see so many families and kids.

"It's not the San Siro but this is where it all started. We all begin somewhere and to come back and finish here was fantastic."