Question that gave Socceroos defender ‘goosebumps’ in press conference that ended with classic Albanese joke

A question asked in Thursday’s media conference gave Socceroos defender Milos Degenek ‘goosebumps’ as he reflected on comments made by head coach Tony Popovic to media last week.

Popovic admitted he ‘didn’t expect’ the defender to play such a big role in his plans.

“It was a very nice moment that I came across on social media,” Degenek told reporters.

“I got tagged in a few videos and I’ll be honest, it was really special that he said something like that, nice about me, means a lot to me. It speaks highly of him as the person he is. 

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“For me, it’s just shown that he’s given me a little bit of trust and I’ve tried to repay that as best I could when I play and I’ll continue to try and repay that when I play and when I’m in camp. 

“Coming from someone like him who was a defender himself and who had a spectacular career for club and country and now he’s a Socceroos coach, for me that means just a little bit more. 

“I’m deep down very proud but it was a beautiful moment that he did say something like that to me. I reached out to him and thanked him for it. It was a really cool moment.”

Watch Popovic’s comments on Degenek below

After an extended period out with injury, Degenek has earned his place back in the Socceroos and become a lock in Popovic’s squad, starting six consecutive matches from March until October, before being left on the bench last time out against the USA.

He recently brought up his 50th cap for the national team, leading the side out as captain against New Zealand, and is among the most experienced players in this November camp for matches against Venezuela and Colombia.

Even he admits to suspecting his Socceroos career could have been coming to an end.

“I will be really honest, I thought it was going to be a long shot, especially that time when I was injured,” he explained.

“That’s where the change happened with (Graham Arnold) and Tony. I thought in all honesty, maybe I’ll get one chance, maybe I’ll come into at least one camp just to – not say my goodbyes – but come into camp and put my best foot forward and see what happens. 

“And I had the opportunity, I came into one camp… didn’t play, came and trained for 10 days and I thought I did my best to put my foot forward and to show what I can offer. 

“But while I was injured and while a lot of things were happening and I wasn’t playing, I was away for a while, deep down I thought it was probably going to be it because every time there’s younger players, new players coming in and that’s the way the football should be.

“The young players are going to take over eventually, but I think now is not the time for the young ones to take over. We want to be around a little bit longer. No, just joking. 

“I think it’s really nice to see some of us older ones here and the young ones coming through.

“It’s a joy to see and it’s something that I’m really proud of because I know I was one the young ones 10 years ago when I was here. Now I’m one of the older ones and I’d love to stay here as long as I can to help them become what I am now. “

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Degenek looks to be firmly in the picture to head to a third World Cup, but he isn’t taking anything for granted.

Now playing his club football in Serbia with FK TSC, the versatile defender hopes his children will be able to create lasting memories of their dad in action for his country on football’s biggest stage.

“I think I’ve got a lot to prove… It’s a difficult one. I think there’s no right or wrong answer,” he said.

“It doesn’t matter that I’ve been to two World Cups. It doesn’t matter that I’ve played for my country X amount of times. Every new opportunity you get to play for your country is special and more special than the previous one. 

“And this World Cup is different. For me personally, it’s different. I’ve got two young kids. I had them last World Cup, but I’ve got them now who are a little bit older and I’d like them to touch wood and God willing, I’d like them to see their father play in a World Cup and do well and represent his country. So that for me is one goal that I want to fulfill. 

“But it’s not just that, it’s also to prove myself that I’ve done all I can to go to another World Cup. For me to go to the third World Cup would be something… it’s not even possible to say that you can dream of going to three World Cups, you know, so it’s something that you can’t describe.”

Degenek has played his entire career in Europe, with stints in USA, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Japan and Germany, but he is open to returning home and spending time in the A-League as he enters the twilight of his career.

“I’ve had opportunities; recently when I moved from Red Star to another club in Serbia, I had the opportunity to come to Australia,” he revealed.

“I just thought to myself, I’d like to stay in Europe a little bit longer, test myself and see what happens. But down the road, I’m open to it. 

“I’m open to it as long as the league’s run properly, as long as things are done right, as long the league keeps growing and hopefully, not just for my sake but for football in Australia and for the sake of kids who are 12, 13, 15, 18, that the game grows and attracts more. 

“A lot of the boys from the Socceroos now have come through the A-League. So it’s a very, very good league in terms of that and it’s valuable for Australian football and I’d like to see myself there eventually down the road. 

“When that time comes, I’m not sure, I’m sure my wife and my kids will probably love to see Australia as well.”

Popa’s bold statement on World Cup bolters

An entertaining Degenek press conference ended on a classic note.

Asked about the distances the Socceroos may have to travel in a World Cup spread across three nations, the defender somehow ended up suggesting Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will have to celebrate with the team and throw parades in multiple cities to celebrate their campaign.

“You go again and again and again until you win the World Cup,” he said.

“That’s how it works. That’s how it happens. In July we’ll fly together as a group with Qantas hopefully, if they want to give us a nice big plane. 

“We’ll fly back to Australia and celebrate the World Cup. 

“Hopefully the Prime Minister will have time to come and celebrate with us. It’ll be pretty cool. A nice parade. One in Sydney, one in Melbourne, one Adelaide, one in Perth.

“Things go for a little bit, for about two weeks, we parade throughout Australia. Happy days.”