Football Australia would like to recognise and acknowledge Subway Socceroos’ midfielder, Massimo Luongo, following the announcement of his retirement from international football.
Luongo amassed 45 caps for Australia and scored six goals across his career, after debuting in 2014 as a second-half substitute in an international friendly against Ecuador in London.
The 31-year-old has compiled an imposing international record, featuring in squads for both the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™ and 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™, while appearing at both the AFC Asian Cup Australia™ 2015 and the AFC Asian Cup UAE™ 2019.
It was at the AFC Asian Cup Australia™ 2015 where Luongo made an indelible mark in the green and gold, named as Most Valuable Player of the tournament. In the same year, Luongo was placed on the longlist for the prestigious FIFA Ballon d’Or following both his outstanding AFC Asian Cup Australia™ 2015 campaign and his performances for Queens Park Rangers FC in the EFL Championship.
The APIA Leichhardt FC junior has carved out his club career across England since being signed by Tottenham Hotspur FC in 2011, with stints at Swindon Town FC, Sheffield Wednesday FC and most recently at Ipswich Town FC – with Luongo currently fighting to earn the ‘Tractor Boys’ promotion into the English Premier League.
Having recent seasons regularly punctuated by injury, Luongo was able to play consistently in 2023, stringing together a run of performances that earned him his first appearance for the Subway Socceroos since 2019 – starting in Australia’s 2-0 victory over New Zealand in London.
Luongo said he had agonised over the decision to retire for some time, but felt it was the right moment for the next generation to take this team forward.
“It was a hugely frustrating time to be on the sidelines so regularly and to be honest, there were many points in the last few years where I felt my international career had passed me by. To eventually have everything come together and get that call from Arnie was a great reward for all that hard work,” Luongo said.
“Coming back into camp was an amazing experience and to be able to get back on the pitch against New Zealand was a really nice moment for me and my family.
“My family have been unbelievable throughout my entire career, supporting me every step of the way. They’ve given me the opportunity to live out my dream of representing Australia and for that I’ll always be grateful.
“This hasn’t been a decision I’ve taken lightly, but I’ve got to prioritise managing my body as my career goes on. I’ve loved my journey with the national team and will always cherish the moments I’ve had in this jersey. I look forward to watching on now as this group of young players drive the Socceroos culture forward,” Luongo concluded.
Football Australia CEO, James Johnson thanked Luongo for his contribution to the Subway Socceroos.
“On behalf of Football Australia, I’d like to congratulate Massimo on a wonderful career for the Subway Socceroos and wish him the very best for the future,” said Johnson.
“The 2015 Asian Cup is something that will live long in the memory of Australian football fans and Massimo played a leading role in what was an historic moment for our game,” concluded Johnson.
Subway Socceroos Head Coach, Graham Arnold said that while disappointed to see Luongo retire from international football, he understood the reasons for the midfielder's decision.
“When it comes down to it, Mass needs to do what’s right for him and his family,” Arnold said.
“He’s been through the highs and lows of football and throughout his career has shown us his prodigious talent, his incredible professionalism and his qualities as a leader.
“After a tough period of injuries, we were just so pleased to see him fit again and settled into a club where he was enjoying his football and playing well. It was fantastic to have him back in camp working with some of our young midfielders, who I know took a lot out of that experience.
“He’s been an enormous contributor to the Socceroos across the course of his career and we wish him all the best,” concluded Arnold.