WITH a promising legal career waiting in the wings, Sydney FC midfielder Karol Kisel is almost certain he will hang up his boots at the end of the season.

Kisel, who turns 35 in March, has been a solid performer in his two stints in the harbour city, playing a key role in the 2009-10 championship-winning team before returning this campaign after captaining Slavia Prague in the Czech league last season.

"I'm really, really ready for the career after football and I'm not scared about life afterwards" ... Sydney FC's Karol Kisel. Credit:Getty Images

The Slovakian has not made a final decision on retirement but concedes it is likely these will be the final few months of a decorated career that peaked at Sparta Prague and took him to 25 caps with his national team.

''To be honest, I don't think I'll keep playing - though I'm the kind of person who never says never, so I won't say it just yet,'' he told the Herald yesterday.