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Schwarzer rules out playing in A-League

Roar Guru
10th August, 2011
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Roar Guru
10th August, 2011
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1469 Reads

Australian goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer has emphatically ruled out ever playing in the A-League, saying it hasn’t worked out for too many Socceroos who have returned from overseas.

As Socceroos teammate Harry Kewell continues to contemplate a move home, Schwarzer sounded a cautionary note to Australian players looking to wind down their careers in the domestic competition.

He believes the A-League hasn’t been kind to his contemporaries who have returned to Australia from Europe.

Schwarzer cited the example of World Cup qualifying hero John Aloisi, who was turned on by Sydney FC fans during his stay there.

“I have seen too many players go back home and it has not worked out,” Schwarzer told Football+ (Football+) magazine.

“The biggest example is John Aloisi, and how he was treated so badly by people.

“You are up there to be shot down very, very quickly.

“I don’t want to give anyone the opportunity to do that to me.”

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Schwarzer, who turns 39 soon, believes the A-League is clearly “a step down” from Europe and he had no interest in winding down his career in the near future.

“The truth is returning from Europe it is a step down, and I don’t want to be in that situation,” Schwarzer said.

The Fulham keeper was keen to finish his career in England – and the Premier League if possible.

And he remains adamant he can continue as the Socceroos’ No.1 goalkeeper until the 2014 World Cup, when he would be almost 42.

“There’s no easing up, no way, forget about it. I’m sticking around for a while yet,” he said.

“What motivates me is the 2014 World Cup. I want to play in it – that’s my dream.

“I will be 41, so I think I can make it happen. I am fully determined to keep playing and get there.

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“All the conversations I have had with the national coach so far indicate he wants me fully involved and to continue to play.”

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