Publications
Partners
Sydney - Australia midfielder Mark Bresciano on Wednesday announced his retirement from international football after 84 appearances over 15 years, including at three World Cups.
The 35-year-old, who spent 12 years playing in Italy for clubs including Lazio and Parma, made his international debut during the 2001 Confederations Cup and ended his career by helping Australia win this year's Asian Cup.
He is best remembered as Australia's goal-scorer in their 1-0 victory over Uruguay in 2005, which catapulted the country to the World Cup finals for the first time in 32 years.
"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," he said.
National coach Ange Postecoglou said Bresciano would be remembered as a true Australian great.
"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," he 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."
Bresciano will continue to play football with his current club, Al Gharafa in Qatar.
