Football Federation Australia (FFA) CEO David Gallop and Socceroos Head Coach Ange Postecoglou have both described Mark Bresciano as a “great” of Australian football, following his decision to retire from international football.
Postecoglou paid tribute to Bresciano for his stellar career but also the enormous role he played in helping regenerate the Socceroos over the last 16 months, culminating in claiming the 2015 Asian Cup.
“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.”
Gallop congratulated Bresciano on his contribution to Australian Football and declared FFA would work with Bresciano on an appropriate public celebration of his career.
“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.”