One of Australia's finest soccer star Hary Kewell announced his retirement on Wednesday afternoon, pulling off his bid to play in his third world cup at Brazil this year.

Kewell who is currently out of the field for rib injury was expected to get fit for the upcoming farewell match against Western Sydney Wanderers on April 12.

Kewell first debuted for Socceroos when he was 17 years and seven months old. His first match for Australia was in the year 1996 against Chile.

Known for his tactics and skilled attack, Kewell scored 17 goals in 56 appearances, including two consecutive World Cup appearances in 2006 and 2010.

Kewell earlier had played with Leeds United, Liverpool and Galatasaray. He signed with Melbourne Heart aiming to join the Australian squad for this year's world cup. But that dream was far away for Kewill.

"I think his big dream was to go to the World Cup and he realises now that is not going to happen." The former Socceroos star Robbie Slater said.

"When he looks back, to even play after some of the injuries he had showed great character. In his time at Leeds, he was the most naturally gifted player we've ever produced."

Another former teammate, Mark Bosnich, supported Kewell's decision and called him as "arguably one of Australia's greatest players ever".

"He should look back on his career with great pride. There have been times with injuries where there were some low points but we should focus on the positives, and he was arguably our greatest player." Bosnich said.

"He won the FA Cup with Liverpool and was the first Australian to win the Champions League. For me, he should look back on his career with great pride and he's doing the admirable thing by retiring now."

Kewell was also the first Australian player having credit for European Championship League when Liverpool took the title in the year 2005.

He will also be remembered for one of his penalty shot against Uruguay at Sydney Olympic Stadium in 2006 which placed Australia to the world cup.