Mark Schwarzer has outlined his desire to retain his spot between the posts for Australia, targeting the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
The Fulham keeper was, once again, an influential figure at the back for the Whites for a large part of the 2010/11 campaign and with his domestic form as strong as ever, he is looking to extend his record as Australia’s most capped player.
“After the last World Cup I had a discussion with the new manager [Holger Osieck] who came in with regards to my future and how he saw my future going,” Schwarzer explained. “I expressed my thoughts on the whole situation and left it down to him.
“He expressed his desire for me to continue playing. He’s fully committed to the plans for me to be involved in the future and be part of it - but the bottom line is you have to perform. As long as I can juggle the two of them [club and international football], which I’ve done for 15 odd years, and it doesn’t affect my club football then why would I want to stop?
“You’re a long time retired and for me there’s no greater honour than playing for your country. I cherish every moment I get to play for my country. I want to play for Australia for as long as I can. I don’t want to give that up and until someone comes along and says move over old-timer and I’m good enough to knock you off your perch, I will continue to play.
“I think today too many countries give out shirts and caps too easily. For me you have to earn the right to wear a shirt. It should be something you should have to work damn hard to earn.”
The long hours of crossing continents for international duty are certainly a demanding aspect of Schwarzer’s career but the big stopper takes it all in his stride thanks to the support of his family.
“You do have to make sacrifices along the way and I have a very understanding family,” he explained. “My wife is unbelievably understanding with regards to my desires to represent my country. It’s her country as well and she understands that.
“We also have two children who are a big part of my life and they have to fit into my life as well. At this moment in time football is a big part of our lives and they also embrace it and play a big part in my success on the football pitch.
“We’re very much open to what we’re going to do and like I’ve said before, we love it here. Surrey is a fantastic part of England to live and we haven’t got any concrete plans what to do after football.”