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Mark Bresciano retires from international football

Football in Australia has always embraced multiculturalism, but more must be done. (Photo: Paul Barkley/LookPro)
25th February, 2015
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Mark Bresciano has announced his retirement from international football, with the 35-year-old calling his Socceroos career to an end after 84 appearances and 13 goals in green and gold.

Bresciano will be fondly remembered by Socceroos fans for his midfield generalship, as well as the goal the helped the Socceroos to the World Cup in 2005 against Uruguay.

Breciano made appearances for the Socceroos in three Football World Cups, in Germany, South Africa and Brazil, and two Asian Cups, including the Socceroos’ victorious campaign in January this year.

Bresciano spoke of the honour of playing for his country, and the sadness of retiring in his statement.

“It is with an element of sadness but a lot of pride that I have decided to retire from the Socceroos,” Bresciano said.

“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.”

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FFA CEO David Gallop was complimentary of Bresciano’s career in green and gold, and congratulated him for many years at the top.

“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.

“He still continues to be a good ambassador for our game through his club football overseas and we will work with Mark to ensure he receives an appropriate public celebration when he returns to Australia.”

Socceroos coach Ange Postecoglou also paid tribute to Bresciano.

“Mark’s career as an international footballer speaks for itself and places him right up there when we talk about the greats of our game,” Postecoglou said.

“His career statistics, milestones, highlights and performances in the Socceroo shirt are of the highest order and he retires from the Socceroos a true legend of our sport.

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“Mark played a major part in filling the leadership vacuum in the Socceroos and was a tremendous leader of the squad and mentor to the young players who have been able to take significant steps forward over the last 14 months thanks to his professionalism and guidance.

“Along with Mile Jedinak and Tim Cahill, his contribution in a leadership position has been immense. Bresh took on his role and responsibilities without changing who he is and how he goes about his business as a footballer.

“He leads by actions and he showed the equally unassuming but driven young players like Massimo Luongo and Trent Sainsbury how to make an impact on international football by working hard and staying true to what allowed them to get into the Socceroos shirt.

“Even during the Asian Cup when he would have liked more game time his attitude and professionalism within the group played an enormous part in the culture and spirit that drove us to be crowned Asian Champions.”

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