Ivan Vicelich, the most-capped player in All Whites history, has retired from international football.
And while it's the second time he's made such a call - this time he means it.
Vicelich yesterday brought down the curtain on an international career spanning 18 years when he announced the time was
right to step aside.
The 37-year-old had previously announced his retirement in 2008 after returning home from eight seasons of professional football in Holland, but then answered an SOS from former All Whites coach in May 2009 and stuck around until the World Cup playoffs with Mexico late last year.
Vicelich said the decision to retire crystalised after "a few dining room table discussions" with family, though he still plans to continue playing with ASB Premiership leaders Auckland City.
"It's been an honour to have represented my country and I never dreamed it would turn out having appeared in the most games as an All White," Vicelich said. "It's not something you think about, you dream about it.
"It's been a privilege and an honour every moment I've pulled on the shirt. It's a sad time knowing that I won't be doing it again but I can now move forward."
Vicelich earned 88 'A' international caps and made 98 All Whites appearances in total, scoring 7 goals (6 in 'A' internationals).
Though former All White greats Steve Sumner and Brian Turner played over 100 games ,many of their matches were not categorised as A internationals, with Vicelich regarded as the most fully capped player.
When Vicelich first turned out the All Whites - as an 18-year-old - he instantly became the poster boy for the code. With his flapping long hair, and fresh youthful image, Vicelich was immediately thrust onto posters, programme covers and match advertising despite being the most junior member of the squad.
He quickly established himself as a player of great poise and judgement, initially as a defensive back-up to players such as Rodger Gray, Danny Hay, and Perry Cotton and later as a cultured defensive midfielder.
Vicelich regarded qualification for the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa as the standout moment of his time with the All Whites, along with the side's appearance at the Confederations Cup in Mexico in 1999.
"The Bahrain game in Wellington and the trip to the World Cup was a dream come true for me and the Confederations Cup in Mexico was a great time being the first big tournament we'd played in since 1982 [FIFA World Cup in Spain].
"There have been a lot of tours and special moments with guys I've played with and the life-long friendships I've formed are something I'll cherish."
