09 Dec Four-time World Cup Socceroo calls time on international career

Socceroos veteran Mark Milligan has announced his retirement from international football.

Milligan won 80 caps for his country and is one of only two Socceroos to have been a member of Australia’s last four World Cup squads in 2006, 2010, 2014 and 2018.

The 34-year-old utility also took part in three Asian Cups, including the successful 2015 campaign on home soil, where he started in the dramatic 2-1 extra-time win over South Korea in the final.

Milligan led the Socceroos during this year’s Asian Cup in the United Arab Emirates and skippered his country on 19 occasions in total.

“It has been a privilege to be involved with the Socceroos over the last fourteen-odd years. To be able to represent my country over that time is above and beyond anything I could have dreamed of," Milligan said.

“It hasn’t always been smooth sailing – it was always going to be difficult to try and break into a squad full of Australian superstars.

“But I was given a chance, and just to be involved with players from Australia’s golden generation and learn my trade from them was an absolute gift that I will be forever grateful for.

“Being able to lead this team as captain over that time has been an absolute honour and something I will treasure forever.

“I wish the boys the best of luck going forward, knowing with Arnie (Graham Arnold) in charge and a wonderful leadership group in place that the future is bright.

"There are exciting times ahead and I look forward to supporting the team along with the rest of the country.”

Milligan’s final game in the green and gold came in Australia’s 5-0 2022 World Cup qualifying win over Nepal in October.

He will continue his club career with English side Southend United who are currently in the League 1 relegation zone.