Brett Emerton was this morning presented with the Sydney FC No. 7 shirt at the Sydney Football Stadium by vice chairman Scott Barlow and declared he came to Sydney FC to “Lift a Trophy”.
Emerton, who made a flying visit to his home town on route to Brisbane for the Qantas Socceroo World Cup Qualifier against Thailand, faced a large media gallery and showed just why Sydney FC have identified him as their Marquee Man.
The quietly spoken Socceroo, who will win his 88th cap when Australia takes on Thailand, answered questions on a variety of subjects, with the press conference beamed live around Australia on Fox Sports News.
“I-m thrilled to be back at Sydney FC and I am very comfortable with my decision to leave Blackburn and come home,” Emerton said. “I have come back to put something back into the sport while I am still at my best but I have also come back to Sydney FC to Lift a Trophy.
“It (coming back to Australia) has been on my mind for a while but after 11 years away and eight great years at Blackburn, it was time for my family to come home. I can-t wait to get started.”
Emerton flew straight out to Brisbane after the press conference and will then go onto Saudi Arabia for the second World Cup Qualifier on 6 September before returning to his home outside Manchester to prepare to bring his family home.
He is expected to arrive back in Sydney in mid September and will make his debut for Sydney FC against Perth Glory at WIN Jubilee (Kogarah) on 24 September.
The shirt presented to Emerton at the Sydney Football Stadium has been signed by the Socceroo and will be won by one lucky Sydney FC Member.
To go into the draw to win the shirt you need to “Become a Citizen” and become a Sydney FC Member by the end of October. Click here for more information regarding the offer.
