Schwarzer sets retirement date

Long-time Qantas Socceroos goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer will retire after the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.

Long-time Qantas Socceroos goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer will retire after the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.

Schwarzer, who in recent days quit Fulham, told Melbourne's Herald Sun that he would hang up the boots after his third tilt at football's biggest tournament.

"I've always been very up front and my goal is 2014 and that's the maximum with the national team," he said.

"Brazil is the pinnacle for me hopefully and I still believe we'll get there and that's the end of me for the national team."

"I don't think you can get much better than that and I don't think finishing on an Asian Cup (in 2015), even if it's in Australia, could better it."

"It would add the finishing touches but it would also be a perfect opportunity for the Socceroos to start bleeding in the new No.1."