Following his maiden cap for Australia, Manchester City midfielder Alexander Robertson spoke of his passion for the Green and Gold and his delight in following in the footsteps of his father and grandad to become a third-generation Socceroo.
Robertson has been with Premier League giants Manchester City from a young age, gaining experience, knowledge and technical ability which was present in his debut.
The prospect has been training full-time with City’s first team under legendary coach Pep Guardiola and was present on their bench in the first leg of a UEFA Champions League Round of 16 clash against RB Leipzig.
While yet to feature competitively for the first team side, an appearance looks to be edging closer.
In the meantime, Robertson’s debut for the Subway Socceroos was a significant milestone in his young career.
“It was very special to make my Socceroos debut. Obviously my grandad and Dad have done it but to play for my country is just surreal, I can’t really describe how it feels,” he said.
He was accompanied in his post-match reaction by his father, Mark Robertson and grandfather Alexander Robertson, who were, as expected, beaming with pride as the City player became the third down the bloodline to represent Australia’s men’s side.
“It’s unbelievable, his country’s been awesome to all three of us and our whole family and to see him running out there was a very proud moment,” said father Mark Robertson.
“I know how hard he’s worked to have that possibility and I could see it on him tonight when he came on.
“It was an emotional time for him and for me and my Dad.”
Robertson’s Grandpa was impressed with his performance stating, “I thought he had some nice touches and a nice pass through which almost finished off with a goal.
“He did really well, I’m very proud.”
It was easy to see Robertson’s quality from the start of his appearance and he played an important role in creating the third goal, which was Garang Kuol’s first for the Socceroos.
Robertson was also involved in an interesting addition to the match, as a small scuffle broke out following his shout for a penalty after being clipped inside the box.
“Yeah it was (a penalty) but they didn’t think so, they were giving me all sorts of abuse,” said Robertson of the incident.
“I’m playing for my country, a country that means a lot to me and my family and I’d do anything for the shirt and that comes with the passion.
“I thought it was a penalty and he started pointing in my face, so that was the reaction.”
The youngster was rightly passionate, playing his first game for Australia in front of a plethora of family, beyond his father and grandad.
“My grandad lives here and my Dad lives in England with me so for him and my Mum to fly over and watch this was something special.
“And to have all my family up there as well is another special moment, so I’m just really happy.”
Robertson has committed himself to the Green and Gold for the future, despite interest from England, Scotland and Peru, and the prospect is aiming high with Australia.
“You’ve obviously got to reach for the stars and win a World Cup,” he said when quizzed about his goals for the Socceroos.
“You never know what can happen - you saw what the Socceroos did at the last one.
“I think we can do some really big things in the future, so why not say it?
“Let’s try and win the World Cup.”
Robertson will have the chance to feature in the Green and Gold once more on Tuesday night, as the Socceroos take on Ecuador again at Marvel Stadium, with kickoff being 7:30 AEDT.