Veljko Paunovic Retires, Thanks Fans For Embracing Him

by Scott Kessler on Jan 18, 2012 6:40 PM EST in Offseason Content

SANDY, UT - SEPTEMBER 3: Head coach of the Philadelphia Union Piotr Nowak talks to Veljko Paunovic #16 during the first half of a game against Real Salt Lake at an MLS soccer game September 3, 2011 at Rio Tinto Stadium in Sandy, Utah. Real Salt Lake beat the Philadelphia Union 2-1. Real Salt Lake beat the Philadelphia Union 2-1. (Photo by George Frey/Getty Images)

The Philadelphia Union's Veljko Paunovic has decided to announce his retirement from professional soccer for the second time, according to the team. His beginning in Philadelphia wasn't a celebrated one, but by the end of his time in the city, he was appreciated.

"It is with great sadness that I announce my retirement from soccer due to family reasons but I will never forget the Union fans and the atmosphere at PPL Park every game," Paunovic said to PhiladelphiaUnion.com. "I have proudly worn the Union jersey wherever we have played throughout the country and I will always feel like a Union "soldier" wherever I am in the world."

The former Serbian international came out of retirement to join the Union during the summer of 2011, and took much criticism from fans and media alike (including the Brotherly Game). Paunovic's age (then 33) and playing status (nearly three years removed from competitive outdoor soccer) did not appear to hint towards a successful time with the Union.

Instead of succumbing to those criticisms, Paunovic amiably put in consistent efforts, which each match helping to improve his feel for the game. By the playoffs, Paunovic was clearly an important part of the Union, if not just for his heading ability.

Affectionately known as the "Old Serb," which had a more 'sinister' origin, Paunovic found favor within the Union fan base and recognized it as part of his retirement process.

"I want to thank the great Union family for welcoming me from the very first day that I came here," said Paunović to PhiladelphiaUnion.com. "I've been so many places around the world and I have never felt as happy as I have been here.

Paunovic recently spent time in Serbia with his family, which will presumably be where he will remain for the foreseeable future, unless perhaps a team like Atletico Madrid comes calling for a coaching role again.

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Always liked Paunstar

He played within himself and made a big impact in his sort time in Philadelphia. Wasn’t the fastest guy though. The Union keep getting younger. 6 players gone in one day, any big signings coming?

by Dean_Moriarty on Jan 18, 2012 6:48 PM EST reply actions

Wish him the best, hope everything is fine with his family.

That gets us within the international spot limit, doesn’t it? I hope that means Torres and Daniel are coming back.

by danielfarrell on Jan 18, 2012 7:05 PM EST reply actions

What the hell is going on!?

Released 4, probably losing 1 to a transfer, and now a retirement all in the same day? And all this with the draft and supplemental draft just happening… they should just install revolving doors at PPL (just kidding, but only kinda)

by Domin8ing the Big Ten(11) on Jan 18, 2012 7:39 PM EST reply actions

This is pretty standard for the sport

by tmu on Jan 19, 2012 10:32 AM EST up reply actions

Gonna miss old serb! and more eagles 2.0

Was initially not enamored with the signing, but as Scott wrote, he showed his value during his time! I wish him luck!

Side note, are we moving towards a 4-2-3-1 or a 4-3-3…. sure seems that way.

Between Serb and Seba leaving, that should free up between $250-$300k off of the cap and that is before any allocation windfall from the Seba transfer.

If the U pocket the money and don’t spend, then i will begin reiterating my rants about this team propping themselves up to be just good enough to sell out PPL and not worried about winning any silverware…..

by dangeroo on Jan 18, 2012 11:56 PM EST reply actions

It's a little early in the team's life to be worrying about their ambitions

They are, by all accounts, proceeding with a ground-up plan that begins with a solid player development foundation. They sell out the park, true, but they don’t have the money teams in other sports have from, for example, TV contracts. And the ticket prices aren’t exactly sky high, either. Investing in the academy, scouting, and player development is still the most cost-effective way to build a consistent winner, I think, with their limited funds — not splashing cash for DPs and the like. Bringing in the high-ceiling CONCACAF players they already have this off-season is evidence enough (to me) that they’re not just trying to skim a profit and tread water.

That said, I have no doubt that if Le Toux does make the Bolton squad (not a guarantee), and the right player is available, they will spend what they need to get him, within reason.

by tmu on Jan 19, 2012 10:37 AM EST up reply actions