'An amazing feeling': Past Olyroos announce Tokyo 2020 squad with special messages

In a special touch following Australia's Tokyo 2020 Olympic Men's Football squad announcement, five previous Olyroos shared personalised videos with each selected player.

The squad for Australia's first Olympic Men's Football Tournament since 2008 is in, and what better way to announce the squad than with personalised messages from five Olyroos who have been there before.

Archie Thompson, Mark Bosnich, Paul Wade, Peter Tsekenis and John Aloisi all paid their tributes to the 18 selected and four train on players.

Thompson offered his own tournament insights, and delivered messages to Nicholas D’Agostino, Mitchell Duke and Riley McGree.

“I was selected for the 2008 Olympic Games in China. It was an amazing feeling for me,” explained Thompson.

“I’ve represented the Socceroos at so many great events but for you youngsters, it’s a real experience.”

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Wade, who represented Australia at the Seoul Olympics in 1988, explained how excited he was to see Keanu Baccus, Dylan Pierias and Caleb Watts.

The former Socceroos captain also congratulated Cameron Devlin, Jordan Holmes, Ramy Najjarine and Lachlan Wales for their selection as train on players.

The announcement video also featured Mark Bosnich, who represented Australia in their most successful Olympic campaign to date: the 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games.

The former Socceroos goalkeeper paid tribute and offered his own advice to Nathaniel Atkinson, Tom Glover and Kye Rowles.

“I think growing up as a youngster in Australia, you realise the importance of the Olympic Games to the Australian people,” Bosnich said.

“So to get the opportunity to represent Australia, in Barcelona, was a real honour.”

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Archie Thompson represented Australia at two Olympic Games, including Beijing 2008

Tsekenis, who pulled on the Green and Gold at the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games, shared the same sentiments as his fellow Olyroo greats and congratulated Thomas Deng, Joel King and Harry Souttar on their selections.

Former Socceroos striker Aloisi also explained his own journey at the Athens 2004 Olympics and delivered motivational messages to Daniel Arzani, Denis Genreau, Ashley Maynard-Brewer, Connor Metcalfe, Reno Piscopo and Ruon Tongyik.

“We ended up getting knocked out in the quarter-finals, and that will live with me forever because we were one game away from challenging for a medal,” said Aloisi, as he recalled Athens 2004.

“So good luck in Japan. Hopefully, you go at least a couple better than what I did and go get a medal.”

The Olympic Men's Football Tournament will run from 22 July – 8 August at venues around Japan.

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