'Shocked and sad': Aaron Mooy rocked by tragic death of brother

Socceroos star Aaron Mooy has penned a heartbreaking tribute after the tragic death of his brother Alex.

Alex Mooy died earlier this week, with Aaron taking to Instagram to announce the shocking news.

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"Love you, bro," Mooy wrote on Instagram.

"We will miss you every day.

"I'm sorry I didn't do more to help you. I thought after the birth of Kilian you would heal and now it's too late.

"I will and always have cherished all our good times together!

"You were my biggest fan and always there for me through the good and bad and I'm very grateful for all your help.

"I know you are at peace now and you will be watching over all of us. Love ya, Alex Mooy."

Alex was a talented footballer in his own right and played at National Premier League level.

Mooy's post sparked an outpouring of support, with Socceroos legend Tim Cahill writing: "Sending my thoughts and prayers to you and the family Aaron."

Mitch Duke wrote: "All the love to you and the family during this devastating time", while Mat Ryan wrote: "May he Rest In Peace".

Football Australia confirmed the tragic news on social media, saying the organisation is "deeply saddened to have learned of the passing of Alex Mooy.

"The thoughts and condolences of Australia’s football family are with Aaron and the Mooy family at this sad time."

Aaron Mooy missing from World Cup qualifiers

Last month, Mooy made himself unavailable for the Socceroos' World Cup qualifiers in Kuwait due to personal reasons.

The 30-year-old, who plays in the Chinese Super League, informed Socceroos coach Graham Arnold he would not be available having not seen his family since joining Shanghai Port last August.

The former Huddersfield Town star was one of several key names unavailable for the June qualifiers, with fellow international star Tom Rogic out and Mitch Langerak surprising many with his move to retire from international competition earlier this month.

"To select this squad it was the hardest that I've had to do because everyone has personal decisions and personal reasons," Arnold said.

"I had to speak, obviously, to every player to make sure that they were ready to come.

"The way the world is at the moment with the quarantine side of things and with COVID around it's down to the individual.

"It's a very strong squad. We've got great depth in every position, and I'm excited about the players that are coming here."

The Socceroos went on to complete a perfect first phase of 2022 World Cup qualification after defeating Jordan 1-0 to make it eight wins from eight games.

Australia advance to the third stage of qualifying with 28 goals scored against just two conceded.

The victory in stifling conditions at Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium in Kuwait also represents the first time the Socceroos have gone through their Asian Football Confederation qualifying phase with a perfect eight out of eight record.

"I'm extremely proud," Arnold said.

"I'm so proud because of what these boys have done with winning seven games away from home, eight straight."

with AAP

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