Brett Holman has announced his retirement from international football, just a fortnight before Ange Postecoglou announces Australia’s preliminary World Cup squad.
Socceroos stalwart Brett Holman has announced his immediate retirement from international football just a fortnight before Ange Postecoglou announces Australia-s preliminary 30-man World Cup squad.
The 30-year-old made 63 appearances for the national team after debuting in 2006 against Bahrain, netting nine times in total. He scored two vital goals in Australia-s 2010 World Cup Campaign in South Africa, including a thunderous strike from distance against Serbia.
Holman seemingly fell down the pecking order under new boss Ange Postecoglou since moving from English Premier League side Aston Villa to UAE club AL Nasr in 2013.
“It has been a great honour and privilege to play for Australia, and to represent one-s country is every footballer-s dream. I am proud of my achievements and I take with me many happy memories of my time with the national team,” Holman said in a statement through Inspire Sports Management.
“Growing up in Croydon Park, I would never have imagined scoring twice in a World Cup.
“Over the past six months, circumstances have led me to re-think my international career and I have made the difficult decision to step aside from my role with the Socceroos.
“My priorities lie with my young family, and my focus from now on will be with my club Al Nasr. I-ve enjoyed a lengthy and challenging season in the Middle East, and the league over here continues to go from strength to strength.”
The final chance to see the Socceroos on home soil before they head to the World Cup will be when they take on South Africa in a farewell game on May 26 in Sydney. Tickets for the match, presented by NAB, are on sale now. Click here to secure yours today.