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SYDNEY, Dec. 9-- 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, 2017 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 2017 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. | 
