Former Socceroos captain Lucas Neill has spoken for the first time following a six-year public silence, revealing he felt "honoured" to represent Football Federation Australia in their unveiling of new Matildas coach Tony Gustavsson.
Neill, who's the third most-capped Socceroo, has remained out of the public eye after he was overlooked for Australia's 2014 World Cup squad.
Former Socceroos coach Ange Postecoglou made the tough call to not include Neill from the event held in Brazil, a decision which the Socceroos legend has yet to speak on publicly.
Earlier this year former Socceroos striker Mark Viduka ripped Neill, his former teammate, for having sulked over the Socceroos captaincy during their representative careers.
But in what is virtually his first public statement since his Socceroos career came to an ugly end, Neill spoke highly of Gustavsson and the future of the Matildas.
"Due to COVID-19 travel restrictions, FFA asked me to represent them on the ground in London and on 'home away from home soil' at the Australian High Commission. I was honoured to do so," Neill said.
"This is a very important era for the Westfield Matildas and Australian football. Having spent the day with Tony, it is evident how passionate and determined he is to be successful and develop talent. His emotion combined with his attention to detail has me believing that there are exciting times ahead.
"I wish Tony, the staff, and all the Westfield Matildas all the very best as they embark on an amazing four-year journey."
According to the Sydney Morning Herald, Neill is set to serve as a mentor for Matildas players with the 2023 Women's World Cup in Australia and New Zealand on the back of everyone's minds.
Former Socceroos captain Lucas Neill has spoken for the first time following a six-year public silence, revealing he felt "honoured" to represent Football Federation Australia in their unveiling of new Matildas coach Tony Gustavsson.
Neill, who's the third most-capped Socceroo, has remained out of the public eye after he was overlooked for Australia's 2014 World Cup squad.
Former Socceroos coach Ange Postecoglou made the tough call to not include Neill from the event held in Brazil, a decision which the Socceroos legend has yet to speak on publicly.
Earlier this year former Socceroos striker Mark Viduka ripped Neill, his former teammate, for having sulked over the Socceroos captaincy during their representative careers.
But in what is virtually his first public statement since his Socceroos career came to an ugly end, Neill spoke highly of Gustavsson and the future of the Matildas.
"Due to COVID-19 travel restrictions, FFA asked me to represent them on the ground in London and on 'home away from home soil' at the Australian High Commission. I was honoured to do so," Neill said.
"This is a very important era for the Westfield Matildas and Australian football. Having spent the day with Tony, it is evident how passionate and determined he is to be successful and develop talent. His emotion combined with his attention to detail has me believing that there are exciting times ahead.
"I wish Tony, the staff, and all the Westfield Matildas all the very best as they embark on an amazing four-year journey."
According to the Sydney Morning Herald, Neill is set to serve as a mentor for Matildas players with the 2023 Women's World Cup in Australia and New Zealand on the back of everyone's minds.
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