Socceroos star Mark Bresciano has announced his immediate retirement from international football, ending a stellar career with 84 appearances for Australia.
The 35-year-old sportsman played in three World Cups for his country, two FIFA Confederations Cups, the Sydney 2000 Olympic games and two Asian Cups, including Australia’s recent win over South Korea. He scored a total of 13 goals for the Socceroos.
“It is with an element of sadness but a lot of pride that I have decided to retire from the Socceroos,” Bresciano said in a statement, via the ABC. “Playing for my country in the sport I love has been an amazing experience, and something I have cherished but never taken for granted.
“I have been fortunate enough to wear the Socceroo shirt at every major football tournament, meet some tremendous people, shared the highs and lows with some great players, and capped it all off by helping us win the 2015 Asian Cup.
“It has been an unforgettable journey with a lot of positive memories but I feel it is time to let this fantastic group of young players continue to take the Socceroos forward.”
Bresciano made his debut with the Socceroos in 2001 with Australia’s win over reigning World Cup champions France at the Confederations Cup in South Korea. Famously, he also scored the goal against Uruguay in 2005 which gave the Socceroos a 1-0 win and contributed to the penalty shootout that saw Australia qualify for its first World Cup appearance since 1974.
Bresciano will continue to play football at the club level in Qatar. Football Federation Australia (FFA) CEO David Gallop praised Bresciano for his contribution to Australian soccer and said he is working on an public celebration of his career.
“Australian football has a long and rich tradition around the Socceroos and Mark Bresciano retires from the international arena amongst our greats,” Gallop said. “His on-field career has seen him excel on the biggest stages in world football but it is his unassuming nature and pursuit of excellence that is a testament to Mark Bresciano.”
