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D.O.B: 22 February 1979 (33)Position: Midfielder (Right)Status: Player at Sydney FCClubs: Sydney Olympic, Feyenoord, Blackburn Rovers, Sydney FCNational Team: Australia (92 Games, 19 Goals)
Achievements:
Sydney Olympic: NSL U21 Player of the Year (1997-98)Feyenoord: UEFA Cup (2001-02)Australia: OFC Nations Cup (2000, 2004), Oceania Footballer of the Year (2002)
Brett Emerton is one of Australia’s most respected footballers, his passion for Australia and for the round game and also his respect for all his opposition has made him what he is today.
Starting off in the defunct National Soccer League and then moving to Dutch giants Feyenoord was massive for a footballer back in the early decade. He began as a fast moving right midfielder and quickly proved that he is a future talent and was already playing for the Socceroos.
After 3 years at Feyenoord, he was beginning to be linked with several Premier League clubs including Newcastle United (who were rejected a 8 million dollar bid), Chelsea and Blackburn Rovers. He, of course, eventually joined fellow Socceroo Lucas Neill at Blackburn in 2003 who were coming off 6th place in the Premier League.
Over the next 8 seasons, Emerton was a regular for the Premier League side averaging over 35 appearances a season and also a regular in the Socceroos side, and was an important player in qualifying for the 2006 and 2010 World Cup.
He was playing at the top of his game making long runs in the FA Cup and also the UEFA Cup. He was always that player that wasn’t necessarily the ‘star player’ but a player that could always provide for the team, a start week in week out and always have consistent form. He always gives 100% for every game he is a part of and will always be respected by Blackburn fans, and of course, Australian football fans.
In August 2011 Emerton decided it was time to come home and play in the A-League after 11 years abroad, he signed for Sydney FC and was given vice-captain and debuted in the massive encounter against Harry Kewell’s Melbourne Victory.
He had some impressive performances throughout the season although that didn’t help Sydney FC as they had a poor season for their standards.
Emerton is still currently playing for the Socceroos and is the second most capped Socceroo ever and also the 8th highest ever goal scorer for the Socceroos.
He is a fantastic and loyal player for whatever club he plays for. He is a true gentlemen and will always be respected by all Australian football fans alike.
Written by Tom MoxeyFollow me on Twitter @moxey25
