Massimo Luongo retires from international football
Decorated Socceroos midfielder Massimo Luongo has announced his retirement from international football, having enjoyed a memorable return to the Australia national team for the October friendlies against England and New Zealand.
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 in Brazil and 2018 edition in Russia.
It was at the 2015 Asian Cup on home soil where Luongo made an indelible mark under the tutelage of then-Socceroos manager Ange Postecoglou. Luongo was named as tournament MVP after starring in Australia's run to the championship. He was placed on the long-list for the Ballon d'Or.
Luongo has played the vast majority of his club career across England since being signed by Tottenham Hotspur in 2011, starring in stints at Swindon Town FC, Sheffield Wednesday FC and most recently Ipswich Town -where the play-maker is fighting to earn the Tractor Boys promotion into the English Premier League.
Having recent seasons regularly beset by injury, Luongo said he had agonised over the decision to retire for some time, but felt it was the right moment for a new era of young up-and-coming players to get their chance to cement a spot for the national team.
"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," Luongo said. "To eventually have everything come together and get that call from Arnie was a great reward for all that hard work.
"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.
