Schwarzer snubs A-league interest for the mic
Multi-skilled Australia great Mark Schwarzer has swapped the gloves for the microphone as he forges a new career in broadcasting.
Though still not officially retired at the age of 44, the London-based former Middlesbrough, Fulham, Chelsea and Leicester keeper is showing the same composure and alacrity as a pundit, panelist and analyst as he used to between the sticks for club and country.
He's already become the first Australian to appear as a co-panelist on BBC's iconic Match of the Day show, hosted by Gary Lineker.
He's also a regular on BBC radio's popular Five Live, commercial radio giant TalkSPORT and is the celebrity face and man around the grounds for Optus, the new Australian rights holder for the English Premier League.
No mean feat since Schwarzer has yet to officially confirm his playing days are even over.
That said, the zest with which he has adopted his latest passion suggests they probably are.
The oldest ever player to win back-to-back titles, at Chelsea and then Leicester, Schwarzer had offers to continue his career, not least from Sydney FC.
But his criteria was to remain close to home and family, thus limiting his options.
Loving his new life behind the mic, Schwarzer said: "At the back of my mind I was thinking this could be it (after being released by the Foxes at the end of last season).
"For the last year or so there I was doing plenty of media engagements, and maybe that brought me to the attention of a few people.
"I had a couple of opportunities to keep playing but they were all too far away from my family.
"I had got to the point where I'd had enough of the travel ... and when these opportunities came up (to move into the media) I embraced them because I love the variety they bring.
"I am learning a bit of a new craft, and I am really enjoying doing it."
In his new role, the football insider has a distinct advantage over run of the mill broadcasters.
"I suppose the fact I've played with, or against, many of these guys that I am now interviewing helps in that they know me and there is no wariness there and maybe they are a bit more relaxed," Schwarzer said.
"Being on Match of the Day was maybe a little bit of a milestone, and also enjoyable."
Though a renowned and relentless trainer, whose attention to every facet of preparation, diet and detail was the key to his longevity, Schwarzer has been able to allow himself the odd treat and indulgence as he steps away from the intensity of the game, while remaining close to its inner sanctum.
"Of course you miss certain things, like the camaraderie of a team environment but at the same time I have been privileged to remain in and around football without some of the commitments that come with that," he said.
"I haven't said I won't play again but since I want to prioritize my family and stay at home it obviously limits those options.
"It's rewarding learning a new trade - and I will just keep doing it as long as the emails and phone calls keep coming.
"The feedback I've had has been really positive ... and that's gratifying."
Assuming the 109-cap Socceroo doesn't play again, his football legacy is unlikely to ever be paralleled by an Australian goalkeeper.
And he has son Julian to carry on the family tradition, with the 17-year-old fellow keeper on Fulham's books as he follows his own fledgling career path.