Sydney FC captain Alex Brosque talks Victory clash, retirement
Sydney FC captain Alex Brosque said he hadn’t lingered on the fact this Sundays blockbuster finals match against Melbourne Victory could be his last. But if it is, he’s come to terms with retirement.
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Retiring Sydney FC captain Alex Brosque has no intention of this weekend’s do-or-die clash with Melbourne Victory being his last professional match.
It is a possibility Brosque says had not crossed his mind “at all” during training this week ahead of the A-League Grand Final qualifier with the Sky Blues’ oldest rivals at Kogarah.
The former Socceroo is confident the end will come the week after, in what would be his fourth appearance in a decider. But if not, he has made his peace with the fact his playing days are numbered.
“It could actually be my last game,” he said. “But in my head, when you know you’re ready to retire it’s more exciting.
“I’ve gotten to the point now when you’re ready for the day that comes.”
The 35-year-old, who started his senior career at Marconi in 2004 in the NSL, announced his retirement in April.
He will go out a hero as the club’s record goal scorer and the winner of three premierships.
He has so far won the A-League championship twice — both against the Victory — and was runner up once, also to the navy half of Melbourne.
Despite winning just once in a Big Blue this season, Brosque believes Sydney have “dominated” in all three clashes, but admitted the club’s commitments in Korea this week, losing 1-0 to Ulsan Hyundai on Tuesday night, has made preparation difficult.
Last year’s champions the Victory are coming off a comfortable 3-1 win over Wellington Phoenix in week one of the finals.
But they also face a long-haul flight back to Australia after playing their Asian Champions League match on Wednesday night — a day after Sydney’s match — also in Korea against Daegu.
Brosque said the games against the club’s southern enemies had been his most anticipated throughout his career, alongside the “special” Sydney Derby against Western Sydney Wanderers.
“But I think the history that comes with the Big Blues makes it hard to pass up,” he said. “The games against Melbourne always tend to be in finals. They’re the big games of the year.”
Win or lose at Kogarah Stadium this Sunday, Brosque and his wife Nadia will be at the Dolan Warren Medals at The Star on Monday night — the A-League and W-League’s night of nights.
He’s tipping teammate Milos Ninkovic to be in the race for his second Johnny Warren Medal, awarded to the A-League player of the season.
“It’s just something different for the players,” he said. “It’s a time where you get to mingle with the guys you’re out their kicking and trying to beat each week, and have a beer with them.
“It’s also nice to take our partners, our wives, to something like this. It’s a good opportunity to thank them.”
*Feel the Finals and watch Alex and Sydney FC in the 2019 Hyundai A-League Finals Series this Sunday as they look to earn themselves a spot in the Grand Final. Tickets at www.a-league.com.au.
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