Mark Schwarzer has decided to quit international football, having collected 109 caps for Australia since making his debut 20 years ago.
The 41-year-old is the most capped player in the history of the Socceroos, having first represented his country against Canada in a World Cup qualifier back in 1993. He went on to appear in the Finals of the 2006 and 2010 tournament, and was widely expected to make it a hat-trick of appearances during the Brazilian edition next year.
However, just hours after new national coach Ange Postecoglou named him in his squad for the friendly against Costa Rica, Schwarzer has announced his decision to retire from the international scene. The 48-year-old Greek, who succeeds Holger Osieck as head coach, wasted little time in paying tribute to the legendary shot-stopper.
“Mark has been a tremendous servant for the national team,” said Postecoglou. “He is our most capped Socceroo, has been one of our best performers over a long period of time and he has always remained passionate about playing for Australia. I know the Australian football community will join me in paying tribute to Mark for everything he’s done.”
Schwarzer has been used to being a regular number one at club level throughout the years, including spells at Middlesbrough and Fulham, has this season settled for playing second fiddle to Petr Cech at Chelsea. And although his last international was the 6-0 drubbing against Brazil, he has kept two clean sheets when called upon for the Blues.
