Michael Bridges has described Harry Kewell as Australia's version of David Beckham and rates the Socceroo legend as the best striker he has ever played with.
Michael Bridges has described Harry Kewell as Australia's version of David Beckham and rates the Socceroo legend as the best striker he has ever played with.
Kewell and Bridges were part of a formidable strike-force together at Leeds United in the late 1990s and early 2000s, helping the club get to a Champions League semi-final in 2001.
The Newcastle Jets veteran was full of praise for Kewell's achievements throughout his career and described the 35-year-old as one of his best mates in football.
"Me and Harry lived next door to each other in Leeds, we're best of mates...he's like my brother from another mother. I haven't had any brothers but that's the way I see H (Kewell)," Bridges said.
"We had a great partnership, he's probably the best striker I played with in my career, whenever I scored, he set me up.
"He's had a fantastic career. I didn't realise how big he was in Australia until he arrived here. He was like the English Beckham.
"Just what he's done for the game in Australia and the example he's set for kids...he's set the standard to be a role model and superstar."
Though Kewell is out of this weekend-s game, he is set to play his last competitive match in Melbourne Heart's final regular season game against Western Sydney at AAMI Park on April 12.
Given Kewell grew up in Western Sydney, it will be a special event expected to attract a bumper crowd.
Reflecting on where his 18-year professional career started at United, Kewell said: "Leeds was the team that really put me on the map.
"It was the place I learned my trade and my life. I've got some wonderful memories there.
"...I started playing when I was four and started professionally when I was 17 and had a career of 18 years.
"It's a life I've already lived and now I get a chance to live another one."
Kewell also acknowledged his time at EPL giants Liverpool, where he won the UEFA Champions League in 2005 and the FA Cup in 2006.