A member of the Reds’ inaugural squad in 2003/04 and a veteran of exactly 100 Adelaide United appearances, the 34 year old informed coach and former United team mate Aurelio Vidmar that this season would be his last as a player.

"During my injury, the club moved on and the team was doing well and continued to be successful as in the last 5 years, said Valkanis.

"It became very hard for me to break back into the team and I gave it my best shot, I was disappointed that I was given limited amount of chances to get into the team, and once that happened I contemplated to stop playing”.

Vidmar said Valkanis’s announcement not to go on next season typified the type of person he is, a genuine team man who was determined for success and always wanted to get the best out of himself and his team mates for the benefit of the club.

A capped Qantas Socceroo having made one appearance against Kuwait in 2006, Valkanis did not miss a game in the first Hyundai A-League season, starting in all of the Reds’ 24 matches in the club’s Premiership winning campaign.

He made over 350 appearances as a professional, which included stints with three Greek clubs and included being part of the UEFA Cup.

He was a member of the Reds’ 2006 and 2007 Pre-Season Cup winning squads, the second as Captain. However, just three rounds into the 2007/08 season, he suffered a serious knee injury against Melbourne Victory, ending his campaign that year which also saw him miss out on the AFC Champions League Final Group Stage.

“It would have been very hard for me to go to another club and play against the Reds, so I did a coaching licence to try and develop as a coach," he added.

"About a month ago I spoke to Viddie to let him know what my intentions were that I wanted to finish up at Adelaide, and the club said if that was my decision they would keep me on at a full time level as a coach which I am really happy about.

"I can’t say too much about it now as it will be announced at the end of the season.”

Valkanis worked hard to come back and was rewarded with a number of cameo appearances in the AFC Champions League Knockout Stage, including a start in the second leg of the Final.

Since returning from his knee injury, Valkanis has found it difficult to make his way back into United’s starting XI, the experienced campaigner making just two appearances in the Hyundai A-League so far this season.

While his dedication to the game is still evident, he accepts his time is up and while it is one of the most difficult decisions he has had to make, he said he has no regrets.

To acknowledge Valkanis’s contribution to Adelaide United and football in South Australia, the club will dedicate the January 9 home match against the Newcastle Jets as a testimonial match for the defender.

Valkanis will remain involved with Adelaide United in a coaching capacity with the club expected to finalise details of his appointment after the Hyundai A-League 2008/09 Season.

However he is looking forward to spending more time with wife Venita and sons Dimitri and Ianni, the Valkanis family expecting another addition with child number three due in the coming months.

Michael Valkanis
DOB 23-Aug-1974
Place of Birth Melbourne
Position Defender
Number 5

Junior Club South Melbourne
Club History
2002-2003 Adelaide City (NSL)
2001-2002 Agios Nikolaos (Greece)
1997-2001 Larissa (Greece)
1996-1997 Iraklis (Greece)
1992-1996 South Melbourne (NSL)

Adelaide United FC Appearances
Hyundai A-League 52 (3)
Other 48 (3)
TOTAL 100 (6)

Hyundai A-League Debut Appearance
v Newcastle Jets (W1-0), EnergyAustralia Stadium, 26 August 2005

Hyundai A-League Debut Goal
v Central Coast Mariners (D1-1), Hindmarsh Stadium, 25 September 2005

Representative Honours
Qantas Socceroos, Qantas Under 23s

Major Honours
2007 Pre-Season Cup Champions (Adelaide United FC)
2006 Pre-Season Cup Champions (Adelaide United FC)
2005/06 Adelaide United Player’s Player Award
2005/06 Member of inaugural Hyundai A-League Premiers squad (Adelaide United FC)
2003/04 Adelaide United Best Team Man Award

Additional information
• Qantas Socceroos: 1 appearance (v Kuwait, August 2006)
• Australian Under 23 Representative (1994-1996)
• Captain of 2007 Pre-Season Cup champions squad
• Member of Hyundai A-League 2006/07 Grand Final squad
• Member of inaugural Adelaide United squad, 2003