Words: Simon Smale
Image: Anthony Napoli

Brisbane City fan favourite and PlayStation 4 National Premier Leagues stalwart Mathew Biggins has been forced to retire from football with immediate effect.

Biggins, who played 72 games City in the national second tier, made the decision after struggling with injuries this season.

The announcement comes at a crucial point in the season for fourth-placed City ahead of their showdown with fifth-placed Redlands United this weekend in the regular season’s penultimate round.

The 32-year-old defender and midfielder, who served as City captain prior to the current season, said his body could no longer cope with the week-in-week-out demands of football.

“I’ve struggled a bit with injuries this season, especially the last couple of weeks with a groin injury,” Biggins explained.

“The body just isn’t what it was and each game is getting harder and harder to recover from.”

Biggins scored19 goals for City in PlayStation 4 National Premier Leagues – but arguably none more important than the equaliser in the PlayStation 4 NPL Queensland 2013 Grand Final, which Biggins cites as a highlight.

“Making the Grand Final was a highlight in itself, as well as scoring the header to send it to penalties, but it was a big disappointment as well, losing out to Olympic in penalties.”

“Every season has been great, even when we’ve been losing we’ve had a laugh and tried our hardest.”

“I want to thank everyone at the club, the supporters and backroom staff for the last few years. It’s been real good, and I’m definitely going to miss it,” he concluded.

Biggins is expected to address his teammates at training on Wednesday night.

PlayStation 4 National Premier Leagues 2016 – Round 21

Brisbane City FC v Redlands United FC
Saturday, August 13 | 6:30PM
Corporate Travel Management Stadium, Brisbane