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.”
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.
“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.”
Stevo
Roar Rookie
Understand what you mean. When I watch replays of memorable Socceroos moments the hair stands up on the back of my neck.
jamesb
Guest
Fantastic player. At his best he knew how to pass the ball and he had great technical qualities. I will miss his statue pose after scoring a goal. Will never forget his goal against Uruguay. What a way to retire as an Asian Cup champion. He will never be forgotten. One of the greats. All the best in retirement, Bresc.
Fadida
Guest
Great player. Has also showed his lack of ego by never complaining about lack of minutes. Even the timing of the announcement was about not taking the attention from the Asian Cup win. Always nice to see a player go out at the right time, legacy intact. If only Lucas.....
punter
Guest
Without doubt, one of the greatest to pull on the Green & Gold, not having played in EPL hurt his profile abit back here in OZ for those non football fanatics. But to us football fanatics, so many brilliant moment highlighted by the goal against Uruguay on that faithful night & played in the Serie A when they were the best in Europe. Thanks Bresc.
Brick Tamland of the pants party
Guest
Just a fantastic player, so calm and composed on the ball and one of those players who seemed to have all the time in the world when intense pressure was being applied to him. That's what cutting your teeth in the Serie A when it was technically top of the pile will do. Thanks for everything Bresc you've done the business for us when it mattered more often than not.
Matthew Skellett
Guest
Yeah well played, played strong Bresh , you were one of the greats -wise that you are leaving on a triumphant note :-)
Kaks
Roar Guru
Honestly didnt know he played such a crucial part in so many key moments for the socceroos. One of the unsung heroes who we owe a lot to. Hope we get one more glimpse of him in the A-league before he hangs up the boots for good
Kaks
Roar Guru
Absolute legend. Will never forget that goal/game against Uruguay!
Freycinet1803
Roar Rookie
Congrats Mark on a great international career. I think it is a great call by him, as I don't think he was part of the Socceroos moving forward. As someone else said others have stepped up to the plate and he realises that his country doesn't really need him anymore (i.e. prior to the Asian Cup we were didn't look to have his position covered so we really needed him to play). Great call after winning the Asian Cup too. A great player and definitely one of the most skillful Aussies to play the game.
The Bear
Guest
I know what you mean. Best not read mine !
The Bear
Guest
A true gentleman of the game. I hope the younger crew took notes. As a footballer, he will always be remembered as an artist as much as an engineer. Many goals were due to his unrelenting ingenuity and many games won due to his determined, yet calm ability to chase and close a game. Wish him all the continued success.
AZ_RBB
Guest
More than half of those moments reduced me to tears.......damn you Bresc
JAJI
Guest
Mark B was there for all the crucial moments That famous goal in 2005, the cross for Harrys equaliser in Stuttgart in 2006, the bike kick in 2006 at the SFS, the last gap win in qualifying in Bahrain in 2008, the cross for Kennedys winner against the Uzbeks in 2009, the cross for Kennedy's winner in 2013 at the same ground, the free kick for Holmans goal in 2010 in South Africa,,,,,,
Bondy
Guest
I believe he's retired knowing the National Team is in a lot better shape than it was a year or two ago, an unselfish sportsman which is hard to find in modern sports . Thanks for the memories Bresc and there were plenty of them ....
Ben of Phnom Penh
Roar Guru
A class act.
Stevo
Roar Rookie
Will be remembered as a key member of the golden generation. Thanks for the memories.
Swampy
Guest
One of the all-time great socceroos.
Midfielder
Guest
Thank you for the joy you brought me...
Franko
Guest
A fantastic footballer and no doubt one of our best of all time. Would have loved to see him play a part in the final, but it wasn't to be. It would have been very easy for the guy to retire after the FIFA ban, but to his credit his country needed him and he worked his socks off to get back in to shape.