Socceroos stalwart Mark Bresciano could end his decorated international career after the Asian Cup.
The 34-year-old says retirement is in the back of his mind, but he won’t make any decision until after the cup which starts Friday in Melbourne.
“I think a decision has to be made after the tournament,” Bresciano told AAP.
“That will probably come also after speaking to the coach and seeing what are his intentions for me personally, and how I feel also about playing on for the Socceroos.
“I have thought about my future a little bit. But I haven’t really made a decision yet because I’m really focusing on this tournament and I want it to be a success.”
The gifted midfielder, who made the first of his 81 national appearances in 2001, said ongoing support from coach Ange Postecoglou had extended his career.
Bresciano was suspended for an illegal club transfer in the months leading into the World Cup last year, and battled injuries before and during soccer’s showpiece in Brazil.
“It is very important for a player to have that confidence, coming into the national team knowing that the coach wants you regardless and hoping you’re injury free and playing,” he said.
“It has been good for me personally to also get through the bad times that I had with the suspension prior to the World Cup knowing that I had the national team on my side.
“It made it that little bit easier to overcome so I’m thankful for that.”
Bresciano, who has played nine World Cup games, more than any other Australian, turns 35 next month and realises the clock is ticking despite entering the Asian Cup in peak fitness.
“I’m in great condition,” he said.
“I have come into the camp with a lot of game time and injury free. And I hope to stay this way and have a good input in the games.”
The Melbourne-born midfielder described the Asian Cup on home soil as a “once in a lifetime opportunity” for the Socceroos.
“If we do have a successful Asian Cup, I think it could do great things for the sport here,” he said.
“From 2005, 2006, it has taken off and has been growing and progressing ever since.
“Having a successful Asian Cup will just boost it more not only in Australia but worldwide because we are starting to get the recognition that we deserve as a footballing nation.”
But Bresciano urged caution amid the home hype.
“We’re a difficult team to beat at home because we play in front of our supporters and we feel that support – they get right behind us and we’re playing almost with a 12th man against 11,” he said.
“So that could be probably the key to our success in this tournament.
“But in saying that, playing on home soil could also be tricky because expectations are higher.
“The players will probably feel the pressure more and you’re more exposed to getting sidetracked.”
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