体坛英语新闻：Australia captain Milligan retires from int'l football

SYDNEY, Dec. 9 (Xinhua) -- Australian national team captain Mark Milligan has announced that he will retire from international football on Monday, describing his 14-year-career with the Socceroos as a "privilege".

Taking part in Australia's 2006, 2010, 2014 and 2018 World Cup campaigns, the crafty defensive midfielder said captaining the team over the past few years was "an absolute honor and something I will treasure forever".

Now 34 years of age and plying his trade for Southend United in England's League One, Milligan made 80 appearances for his country and was a member of Australia's 2015 AFC Asian Cup-winning side.

"It hasn't always been smooth sailing - it was always going to be difficult to try to break into a squad full of Australian superstars," he said.

"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."

"I was lucky to work under some wonderful coaches in my international career."

Featuring in the Chinese Super League for Shanghai Shenhua back 2009, Milligan has also played for club teams in Australia, Japan, Scotland, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

Placing him among the very best players to have worn the green and gold, current Socceroos head coach Graham Arnold was full of praise for Milligan.

"I am so proud of Mark and the career that he has had," Arnold said.

"Mark's commitment and desire for Australian football is up there with the best and I feel privileged to have been involved with him at the start and end of his international career."

"Not many players can claim to have represented Australia at four World Cups, three Asian Cups, a Confederations Cup, as well as an Olympic Games."

"When you add in his tremendous club career, which includes two A-League Championships, a Premiership, and a Joe Marston Medal, it's clear that Mark's contribution to Australian football over a long period has been significant."