Chris Payne says goodbye to football

The end of an era, the end of a career, Chris Payne ran out for his final game at Jensen Park on Saturday evening, going out in style, scoring a hat-trick.

Debuting for Manly United at the age of 17, the lethal striker spent 13 years in the state’s top tier.

Interestingly enough, the football God’s wouldn’t have it any other way but for Payne to finish his career with the club he played his first senior game against, Bankstown City Lions.

And some final game it would turn out to be, Payne putting the Macarthur Rams to the sword as he has many other teams across the state, scoring three of his team’s four goals in a 4-0 victory.

To mark the occasion, former Sydney United 58 team mates Patrick Antelmi and Anthony Tomelic, along with APIA Leichhardt head coach, Franco Parisi and Bankstown City Lions President, Rob Mileski, all presented Payne with jerseys from their respective clubs in a pre-match ceremony.

Turning 34 in a couple week’s time, we asked Payne why he believes the time has come, especially considering he has scored 19 goals In 29 games this season in the Football NSW League One competition with the Lions.

“I just think it’s time, I have had a long career and I have 4 kids at home, the youngest starts football next year and I have missed a lot and I want to go out on my terms,” Payne said.

A lifetime of highlights and special moments not just in the NPL but also in the A-League where he spent time with Sydney FC amongst others, Payne spoke about those that have stuck with him.

“Individual highlights would definitely be my first A-League goal, that is something I will never forget,” said Payne.

“Winning the A-League with Sydney FC, that was incredible.”

“Scoring two goals in the semi to make it into the Grand Final, that was amazing, one of those with my hand, just lucky back then there wasn’t VAR.”

He reminisced on the incredible Australia Cup run he went on with Sydney United 58 when they lost to Macarthur Bulls in the Final.

“From a team perspective, a highlight has to be the Cup run with United where we almost went all the way and made the impossible, possible, that was something special,” Payne said.

“Of course, winning the Grand Final with APIA was a special occasion also.

Payne’s career in the top tier saw him score over 100 goals, an impressive feat for anyone.

“Definitely happy with my career, I believe I have achieved a lot and I enjoyed it as well,” he said.

What will the prolific goal scorer miss though about the round ball?

“What I will miss I think is seeing my kids’ faces when we win or playing in big games and walking out with them, the joy I see in their faces will definitely be something I miss,” said Payne.

Payne had a long list of people to thank for helping him achieve his goals and becoming the player and person he is today.

“Obviously, I want to thank my mum and dad, the long drives early morning, late nights, so definitely wouldn’t of had the career I had with out them,” he said.

“My kids and mainly my amazing wife, it wouldn’t of been easy for her with me away during the week a lot and on game day.”

“For her to be happy with me playing and supporting me all these years, it definitely shows how special she really is being at home with four kids would not be easy, so I appreciate everything she has done for them and myself.”

“She really is the most amazing wife.”

By – Nikola Pozder