Arguably the hottest topic around the Socceroos in recent years has been the fight to secure dual nationals to play for Australia, with several of the nation’s hottest prospects also eligible to represent other countries.
Recently, Nectar Triantis opted to change allegiance to Greece after spending time in camp, Cristian Volpato turned down a call-up to the 2022 World Cup, while Alex Robertson and Adrian Segecic are not locked in just yet and do have other options.
Plenty of players have also gone the other way, with Alessandro Circati opting to play for Australia over Italy and Ryan Teague turning down an approach from China, while the likes of Harry Souttar, Jason Cummings, Martin Boyle and Fran Karacic have all adopted the Socceroos rather than representing their nations of birth.
With that in mind, football360.com.au asked Milos Degenek, now among Australia’s most experienced players despite playing for Serbia at under-19 level, his thoughts on players choosing between nationalities and how he made his choice.
The 31-year-old’s answer was epic.
“I’ve been here for almost 11 years in the Socceroos and I had a similar period, like some of the boys are weighing up now, whether they should play for certain countries,” Degenek said.
“Some boys have taken that route to play for another country. Some boys are still sitting on the fence.
“Look, my decision was very simple. My background is of Serbian descent. My family all speak Serbian. But I looked at what country gave me, my family, my loved ones the best opportunity to live a normal, healthy life.
“Coming from a war-torn country, surviving through two wars, and coming to Australia was an eye-opener for us.
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“I’ve said this many times, and it’s probably annoying and boring, that I can’t give back to Australia enough what they’ve given to me and my family, but I try to repay that every time that I get on the pitch.
“But to be honest, the players that are making the decisions now, I think you have to have that feeling inside here (pointing to his chest). Like it has to come from within. There can’t be someone telling you, ‘oh, please play for us or please play for us’. You have to have that feeling yourself.
“And if you’re not content with what you feel inside to come play for Australia, then you shouldn’t be here.
“Once you come here, you have to be 110% behind that feeling and play for this country with pride and joy and love.
“I think the boys that are on the fence, think they need to realise what this country offers you, what this football country offers you, what the Socceroos offer you.
“And to realise that the Socceroos are actually one big family, it’s not just a national team where you’re just a number.
“It’s a national team where, you know, we’re a part of a big family and it’s a national team that’s gone forward. I believe going forward it’s going to be even bigger.”
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The Socceroos take on Venezuela on November 15 and Colombia on November 19 as they continue their preparations for next year’s World Cup.
