Former Socceroo Aurelio Vidmar insists Brett Emerton must remain involved in Australian football after his retirement.
Emerton decided to hang up the boots after a decorated career spanning 18 years, with the Sydney FC marquee player to formally announce his retirement on Thursday.
The former Blackburn Rovers skipper made a move to the A-League amid much fanfare in September 2011 after almost a decade in the English Premier League.
But Emerton has battled persistent back problems all season, making just nine appearances this A-League campaign.
The 34-year-old was taken off early in the second half of the Sky Blues’ derby loss to Western Sydney on the weekend after the back complaint again flared up.
This Saturday’s home clash with defending champions Central Coast is set to be his final game.
Emerton is the third-highest capped Socceroo behind Mark Schwarzer and Lucas Neill, earning the last of his 95 caps for Australia in December 2012 at the East Asian Cup qualifiers.
And Vidmar, who was playing in the Socceroos side during the early stages of Emerton’s involvement in the national team, says he’s made a huge contribution to the sport.
“He’s made an incredible mark on Australian football,” Vidmar says.
“He was an incredible player for the national team for many, many years. He’s one of the best professional players I’ve ever seen to be honest.
“The way he prepares himself on and off the pitch is a massive example for younger kids.
“It’s sad, because it’s never easy retiring but he’s had a fantastic career.”
Emerton has enjoyed a glittering career, playing at two World Cups and scoring 20 times for his country.
He began his professional career at National Soccer League side Sydney Olympic in 1996 before earning a move to Dutch side Feyenoord.
Despite being highly sought after by various big English clubs, he then signed for Rovers in July 2003, eventually making 247 appearances for the Premier League side.
Olyroos coach Vidmar, who is currently in Oman with the Australian under-23 side, says whether Emerton makes the leap to coaching or not, his expertise should not be wasted.
“I don’t know what direction he wants to go in or whether he wants to get into coaching or not,” Vidmar said.
“But someone with his experience and his knowledge certainly has a part to play in Australian football. You wouldn’t want to lose him outside of our game that’s for sure.
“So if he can still be involved in some way I think he’ll have a very big impact with whatever he does.”
Emerton’s retirement could pave the way for Sydney to sign Socceroos playmaker Tom Rogic as their Australian marquee signing.
langou
Roar Guru
Good player when playing in Holland and England, however he always managed to lift a notch when playing for a Socceroos and for that I am grateful to him. I thought Guus had lost his head when he played Emo down at right back but it worked so well, for quite some time. For a few years there, he was considered the third big star of Australian football, behind Harry and Dukes. If they couldn't play (which unfortunately was often) Emo was used as the main marketing tool.
nachos supreme
Guest
Sorry about that Franko, I misunderstood your post. I would say he's one of the few aside from Okon and Zelic who've played for a top shelf side for any length of time.Kewell and Viduka you could argue but Leeds ain't a mid 90s Lazio or Dortmund.
JonJax
Guest
Emmo has been an adornment to the local game - graduating from his days at Sydney Olympic to Euro Pro Leagues to the FIFA World Cup. His career serves as a blueprint for all local boys and girls wanting to play the Worlds most competitive sport. The boy's engines were phenomenal -Sadly time and tide waits for no one - hopefully his skill and experience will not be lost to next generation. Thanks Emmo!
Franko
Guest
Did the montage include a lot of chipping and chasing? backheels?
AZ_RBB
Guest
I never thought much of Emerton either til I saw a montage of his career on Fox last night. He has served us well. Would love to see Rogic get a loan deal with SFC despite them being our rivals.
Franko
Guest
No, I mean a big side in Holland: PSV, Feyenoord, Ajax. Heracles play in front of smaller crowds than A-League sides and finished in the bottom half of the league last year.
nachos supreme
Guest
You mean like Davidson for Heracles ? Or Sarota and Oar at Utrecht (okay Sarota is a bit of a stretch, 30 odd appearances in a couple of years)
Franko
Guest
Was never a huge fan of Emmo as a player but he proved himself over the journey. What we would do for a youngster playing regularly for a big side in Holland or EPL nowadays.