Milligan closes on move to Europe
WORLD Cup star Mark Milligan is set to continue his Socceroos career as he finally looks set to fulfil his dream of playing in Europe — just shy of his 33rd birthday.
New Australian coach Graham Arnold will have to decide the future of veterans Mile Jedinak, Tim Cahill, Brad Jones and Milligan for January’s Asian Cup defence and beyond.
Captain Jedinak has said he will carry on and there is a school of thought that Cahill, who is 39 in December, may be eyeing the Asian Cup as his international swan song.
Milligan, who is a free agent after mutually terminating his contract with Saudi club AlAhli, was leaning towards retiring before Russia 2018.
“There were a lot of thoughts about what was next after the World Cup,’’ Milligan said.
“A lot of work and preparation goes into the World Cup, it’s an exhausting time physically and mentally and the way it went for us made it more difficult — playing some very good football and not progressing.
“I wanted all the emotion to wear off and make a decision with a clear mind.”
Settling at stopper could be the solution to extending his career, with three strong Russia 2018 performances underlining his quality.
Milligan’s lack of a EU passport has cost him moves to Europe in the past.
“It looks like I’ll be going to Europe somewhere, I’ll explore all those avenues. I’ve had a few offers and I’ll just weigh up my options,” he said.