Written By: Kenneth Ho

For most things, there will be a beginning and an end.

For Aleksandar Duric, it all started in 1999, when he arrived on these shores and joined Tanjong Pagar United FC.

Sixteen years later, it is all set to come to an end as the evergreen striker announces his retirement from the game, after plundering 321 goals in 519 S.League games.

As soon as he made his announcement, many messages came in thanking the naturalised Singaporean striker for his contribution to his adopted country.

Minister for Culture, Community and Youth Mr Lawrence Wong was among the many well-wishers, calling on Duric as a true ‘son of Singapore’.

‘Duric is more than just a great professional footballer and a lethal striker. We embrace him as a son of Singapore, because he has a big heart for the community and nation,” Mr Wong said.

“I met [him] once at a charity dinner where he offered his footballing skills for auction (to play in the football team of the highest bidder) and helped raise funds for charity,

“He was on the team that won the Suzuki Cup in 2012, and even at 42 then, he was still one of the fittest players in the ASEAN circuit. Every time he’s on the field, he gives it his all to bring glory to the team and to Singapore.

“Thank you Duric for all that you’ve done for our community and for Singapore football!.”

Duric’s last S.League game will be on Friday, at the Jalan Besar Stadium when Tampines Rovers take on Brunei DPMM in a title-deciding contest for the latter.

Photo: Minister Lawrence Wong