Brendon Santalab says the closely intertwined career path he’s shared with his former teammate, current coach and friend Tony Popovic helped him develop as a player and person as he announced plans to retire at the end of the A-League season.
Once captained by Popovic at Sydney FC Santalab went on to be managed by the same man at both Western Sydney Wanderers and now at Perth Glory.
After announcing his retirement on Thursday morning, the 36-year-old gave reflected on the influence Popovic had on his development over the years, and the personal relationship which grew throughout it.
“(He is) an incredible influence, not only on my football but off the pitch as well as a mentor,” Santalab said.
“I think anybody that knows Popovic knows wherever he goes he’s successful.
“It was an easy decision to join the Glory when I had a call from Popa, I knew something special was going to happen here in Perth this season and we’re well on our way to achieving that.”
Four games away from a premiership with Glory and six games away from a potential A-League title, Santalab is determined to end his career on a high and is confident he has the ability to do so this season in Perth.
“Going out on a high was my priority, and this group of players is something special,” Santalab said.
“It’s been an incredible journey, but the most exciting thing is I have the opportunity to win two trophies with only six weeks to go in my career.
“Amongst this group of players and people it’s the right time for me, the next six weeks is a fantastic opportunity to win something and go out on a high, which is exactly what I wanted to do and achieve at this stage.”
Calling time on a playing career is a decision of significant magnitude for any player, and Santalab says conversations with Popovic helped him accept retirement as the right move for him at this stage in his life.
“I had a nice coffee with the boss,” he said.
“He just wanted me to be comfortable in my decision, which I was.
“I think he would have liked me to play on, but it’s my decision to go out.”
Knowing Santalab both professionally and personally helped Popovic understand his decision to retire when his former teammate confronted him with retirement plans.
“We discuss many things, me and Brendon, we know each other more than just football,” Popovic said.
“Once he approached me on that, knowing Brendon so well, I know he didn’t take that decision lightly, it’s probably something he’s been thinking about for a while.
“It might have gone through his mind last year but we convinced him to come here for another year and work together once more.
“We discussed him being the best he can be this season to walk away on a high personally.
“For him to try and contribute to something special here in Perth this year, it would be a great way for him to sign off on an excellent career.”
Featured image credit: Darren Speedie, Vision Inspired Photography
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