The former Socceroos skipper has found it impossible to continue after returning to pre-season training after a month long lay-off.

“Paul’s departure is unfortunate from the club’s perspective but we thank him for all he gave us, in what we now know, was the final year of his career," Jets CEO George Liolio said.

"It is a mark of Paul’s professionalism that in a week when the club has had to re-examine its approach to the upcoming season after Nick Carle’s departure, Paul has opted to make this decision now rather than continue on and disrupt us closer to the start of the season."

Okon was one of Newcastle's guiding lights last season as the team turned around a horrible start to make the A-League finals series.

Okon's exit comes on the back of Carle's transfer to Turkish club Genclerbirligi.

"We are so honoured to have had Paul as a part of our organisation and his influence will be felt for years to come," Liolio added.

"With Nick and Paul moving on, and so many exciting new players coming to the club along with the core from last year, these are exciting times and I know that our fans will come to love the Jets Mark III as much as they loved Jets Mark II."

Okon has not made any comment as yet.

Paul Okon - Club Details

1989-1991 Marconi Stallions (Australia)
1991-96 Club Brugge (Belgium)
1996-99 Lazio (Italy)
1999-2000 Fiorentina (Italy)
2000-02 Middlesbrough (England)
2002 Watford (England)
2002-03 Leeds United (England)
2003 Vicenza (Italy)
2004-05 Oostende (Belgium)
2005-06 Apeol Lefkosia (Cyprus)
2006-07 Newcastle United Jets (A-League)

Representative Honours

Socceroos (1991-2003: 37 Appearances)
Olyroos and Young Socceroos

Major Honours

1991 FIFA World Youth Cup (Portugal)
1992 Olympic Games Finals (Barcelona)
1995 Belgian League Title
1995 Belgian Player of the Year
1995 Belgian Cup
1996 Oceania Player of the Year

SBS