Perth Glory forward David Williams has today announced his intention to call time on his playing involvement with the club.
The 37-year-old, who joined Glory in July 2022, sadly sustained an anterior cruciate ligament injury in last season’s Round 10 clash with Macarthur FC at HBF Park.
Williams enjoyed a stellar career in the A-League, racking up a total of 228 appearances and scoring 51 goals while representing five different clubs and also proved himself overseas during spells in Denmark, Hungary and India.
As he closes in on making a full recovery from surgery, the man with two Socceroos caps to his name has opted to explore some exciting new opportunities.
“I’ve decided that coming back to Perth Glory in a playing capacity is not on the cards,” he said.
“I’ll be stepping away and focusing on myself and what’s next in life.
“Recovery has been pretty good.
“I’ve been working with a great physio in Chris Hutchinson who has got me to a really good level.
“It’s just got to a point now where I really have to think about what I’m doing.
“I’m progressing well, I feel good and now I need to open a new chapter in my journey.
“I’m focusing on myself primarily, but I still want to be involved with Glory in some capacity.”
Very much a fans’ favourite, Williams went on to acknowledge the close relationship he has always enjoyed with the Glory faithful.
“I’ve loved my time at the club for the past three years,” he said.
“I love the people who are involved at the club and the fans have always been great with me.
“They’ve always stuck out their hands wanting a handshake and really embraced me since I first got here, so I want to say thank you to them for that.
“Even when the results haven’t been good, they’ve still turned up and the atmosphere is still good.
“We score one goal and go 1-0 up, or we win one right at the death and how ever many fans are in there, it’s still electric and not many clubs around the league can do that.
“I still feel a connection to the club and definitely don’t want to lose that.
“My face will still be around the club and it’ll be something new, but exciting.”
Glory CEO Anthony Radich, meanwhile, was quick to highlight the contribution Williams has made both on and off the pitch, not only during his time with Glory, but throughout his 19-year career.
“David has been an incredible ambassador for the game in Australia and we are fortunate to have him at the club,” he said.
“As well as being a very gifted striker who always got fans off their seats, he has been and continues to be, an excellent role model for young players and his invaluable work within the indigenous community is well-documented.
“Obviously it is sad that we won’t get to see David wearing the purple shirt again, but it is fantastic to know that he is not being lost to the game or to our club.
“To thank David for everything he has brought to Perth Glory as both a player and a person, we will be honouring him at Friday’s double-header at HBF Park and we look forward to him remaining very much a part of the Glory family.”
#ONEGlory
League legend Williams signals end to playing role with Glory
