Retiring Melbourne Heart FC Captain Harry Kewell admits his decision to hang up his boots was tough but he is eager to begin a new chapter of his life.
Retiring Melbourne Heart FC Captain Harry Kewell admits his decision to hang up his boots was tough but he is eager to begin a new chapter of his life.
Kewell will turn out in his last professional match on April 12 when he leads Melbourne Heart out against Western Sydney Wanderers at AAMI Park.
It will bring the curtain down on an illustrious 18-year career which has included two FIFA World Cup appearances, a UEFA Champions League crown and an FA Cup medal with Liverpool.
But the 35-year-old is already looking ahead to the future with excitement and has outlined his plans to focus on his junior academy and putting back into the sport.
“I started when I was four and started professionally when I was 17 and had a career of 18 years,” Kewell said on Wednesday.
“It’s a life I’ve already lived and now I get a chance to live another one.
“There’s a lot to look forward too. I can start working on my golf swing.
“But just being a dad and doing the things a lot of people take for granted. I’ve been travelling a lot these last few years.
“It leads me into my new adventure, my academy which I’m excited about. It’s a new adventure where I can put back something into Australian football which I’m proud of and believe in and it gives me a chance to work with young Australians and teach them the way I was taught to play football.”
Kewell said his most cherished honour in football was being voted Australia’s greatest ever player by the public.
