Down's Martin Clarke is set to return home after announcing his decision to quit his Aussie Rules career with Collingwood. The 21-year-old former Down minor star cited missing his family too much and wanting to train to be a teacher as the main reasons behind his decision. Clarke, who played 46 games in three years at the AFL Premiership club, is also keen to return to the fold for his native county. Before leaving for Australia, a teenage Clarke helped Down win the All-Ireland Minor Football title in 2005 and played in two McRory Cup finals for St Louis, Kilkeel. Clarke, who turns 22 in November, revealed his intentions in an open letter on the Collingwood website. He said: 'I believe the best moments of my sporting life are ahead of me and I want to show them on the GAA stage. My decision to return home was not an easy. But I simply miss my home and the people close to me too much. 'I also have a burning desire to be a teacher and I want to start that stage of my life as soon as possible.' Collingwood chief of football Geoff Walsh paid tribute to Clarke and his efforts for the Melbourne club, saying: ' We sincerely thank Martin for his contribution and commitment to the Collingwood Football Club over the past three seasons. 'He's an outstanding talent who is very highly regarded by his peers and everyone at the club, and he will be missed. 'I'm sure Marty will be successful in his future endeavours, and on behalf of everyone at the club, I would like to wish him the very best back in Ireland.' Clarke is expected to turn out for his club An Riocht and attempt to work his way into manager James McCartan's plans ahead of the National Football League's resumption next year.