'Amazing to be back': Massimo Luongo thrilled after first outing since 2019
Massimo Luongo made his first appearance for the Subway Socceroos in over four years on Wednesday morning (AEDT) against New Zealand.
Luongo announced himself to Australian fans back in 2015. The then youngster a crucial part of Australia’s AFC Asian Cup triumph on home soil that year.
Luongo earned the Asian Cup's Most Valuable Player prize and looked set for a long career in the green and gold.
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A series of injuries and struggles for form saw the talented midfielder fall away from the Socceroos’ plans, but on Wednesday, he retook his place in the team, playing just over an hour against the All Whites.
He said it was amazing to be back in the team and play again for Australia. Luongo credited keeping his standards high and getting in the right headspace for his recall.
He explained there had not been a lot of change since he last featured. The core values within the team remain the same.
Tweet: https://twitter.com/Socceroos/status/1714369002502586685
“I played with a big smile on my face. I really enjoyed it. I think the boys could tell I really enjoyed it. It was a really nice moment for me and my family,” Luongo said.
“I’ve got Aziz [Behich] on my left, which, I’ve always enjoyed playing with him on the left side, and we probably still have a good understanding.
“Just creating new relationships with people is a normal thing in football. I think everyone likes to show me a little bit of respect and acknowledge that I knew what I was doing, and when I wanted the ball, they gave me the ball.
“I had a one or two-year spell [out of the team], probably injuries and not having the right form or not being in a team where I suited as much as I could have. But a little bit of luck along the way has got me to where I am today and getting my head down, getting things right off the pitch mentality-wise.
“I drive my own standards. Every day, I’ve got to do things right.”
Tweet: https://twitter.com/Socceroos/status/1714341235195068813
Luongo also praised the younger players to have emerged in the national team set up reminding him of a time when he was in a similar position for Australia, making particular note of Jordan Bos and Alessandro Circati.
Bos played high up on the left against New Zealand with Circati making his debut in the centre of defence.
“[They are] brilliant. They’re enthusiastic and really want to do well for the team. They don’t want to let anyone down,” Luongo said.
“Bossy [Jordan Bos] was on my side today, so I felt like we had a really good thing going, and then you can see how he is on the ball, high energy, loves a tackle as well. And then Circati behind me - really good.”
Luongo’s Ipswich Town are flying the EFL Championship with the midfielder a key part of Kieran McKenna’s lineup.
He’ll want to remain in good form ahead of the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023 which begins in January 2024, but not before FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers begin next month.