Massimo Luongo: Ipswich Town midfielder retires from international football with Australia

Massimo Luongo scored six goals in his 45 appearances for the Socceroos

Ipswich Town midfielder Massimo Luongo has retired from international football with Australia.

He won 45 caps and scored in the final when Australia won the 2015 Asian Cup.

He could have missed part of Ipswich's push for promotion to the Premier League if selected for next year's Asian Cup in January and February.

"This hasn't been a decision I've taken lightly, but I've got to prioritise managing my body as my career goes on," the 31-year-old said.

Luongo also played in two World Cups but his international career was hit by injury, although he was recalled to the squad the first time in four years when Australia beat New Zealand at Brentford in October.

"It was a hugely frustrating time to be on the sidelines so regularly and to be honest, there were many points in the last few years where I felt my international career had passed me by," he added.

"Coming back into camp was an amazing experience and to be able to get back on the pitch against New Zealand was a really nice moment for me and my family."

Luongo joined Ipswich in January after his contract with Middlesbrough was cancelled and helped them to promotion from League One last season.

He has scored twice in 24 appearances this season as Ipswich have kept pace with leaders Leicester City at the top of the Championship, winning 16 of their 22 games and losing only twice.

"He's been through the highs and lows of football and throughout his career has shown us his prodigious talent, his incredible professionalism and his qualities as a leader," said Australia head coach Graham Arnold.

"After a tough period of injuries, we were just so pleased to see him fit again and settled into a club where he was enjoying his football and playing well.

"It was fantastic to have him back in camp working with some of our young midfielders, who I know took a lot out of that experience."