Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Sydney: Australian midfielder and AFC Asian Cup 2015 winner Mark Bresciano has announced his retirement from international football.
Bresciano, who currently plies his trade in Qatar with Al Gharafa, made some 84 appearances for his country and scored 13 goals in a career spanning 15 years.
The 35-year-old featured in three FIFA World Cups, two FIFA Confederation Cups, the 2000 Olympic Games and two AFC Asian Cups – most notably this January when he was part of the Socceroos squad that won Asia’s premier tournament on home soil.
“It is with an element of sadness but a lot of pride that I have decided to retire from the Socceroos,” Bresciano said in a statement.
“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.”
Australia coach Ange Postecoglou has been quick to praise Bresciano, saying: “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.
“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 thanks to his professionalism and guidance.
“Along with Mile Jedinak and Tim Cahill, his contribution in a leadership position has been immense. Mark took on his role and responsibilities without changing who he is and how he goes about his business as a footballer.”