Middlesbrough star Mark Viduka has
confirmed that the Asian Cup in July could witness his final
moments in international football.
The experienced striker is contemplating whether to retire from
Australia's national set-up after the tournament in order to spend
more time with his family.
Viduka - who captained The Socceroos at the World Cup finals -
admits the prospect of a gruelling round of long-haul trips for
next season's qualifiers could be too much at this stage in his
career.
"I don't want to leave it [a decision] lingering. It's not fair on
my part to be like that," Viduka told the Herald Sun. "I'm still
thinking and I've got to weigh things up.
"Family's the big issue. Playing internationally is physically
demanding, and after the Asian Cup the World Cup qualifiers will be
very demanding.
"The timing of the games will make it almost impossible for us
(overseas-based) guys to play.
"FFA's in a transitional period now and a lot of things are still
up in the air, they're talking about a new coach."
Australia coach Graham Arnold is hoping that the 2000 Oceania
Player of the Year opts to stay with the side in order to help
guide them in the early stages of their World Cup qualifying
campaign.
"I don't want him to retire. He's in great form and, at just 31, I
believe he should take it one year at a time," Arnold said.
"Hopefully he will wait until we have a ready-made replacement
because he will be invaluable to our World Cup qualifying
programme.
"It's not easy. I would like Mark and some of the older players to
continue because we'll need a big squad in qualifying for 2010.
Their experience will be invaluable."