So long Schwarzer

Australian football keeper Mark Schwarzer has announced his international retirement. And what a glittering career it was. But I was hoping he would retire after he became the second choice keeper at Chelsea.

I was puzzled by Schwarzer's move to Chelsea in light of his ambition to represent Australia at the World Cup in Brazil 2014. You should aim to be first choice keeper if you're going to continue to be a national goal keeper. For example there was an opening for first choice at another close by London club, Crystal Palace, at the time when he chose to go to Chelsea.

Not that Australia's new first choice keeper Mitch Langerak is the first choice keeper in his club either. But he is at the opposite end to his career to Schwarzer and will surely be a first keeper at some team in the near future.

The other keeper selected in new coach Ange Postecoglou's recent squad, Mat Ryan, is the first keeper right now for Belgian club Brugge, so maybe he should be Australia's new first choice keeper. Although of the two, I think Langerak probably edges out Ryan.

While Schwarzer's decision to join Chelsea was not good from the point of view of his involvement in the national team, it was a brilliant for him personally. 

Chelsea is only a short drive down the road from his residence and previous club Fulham. Schwarzer's family is English-raised and wants to stay. So it's great for him to be involved in a club like Chelsea at the latter stage of his career because it could lead to him becoming a goal keeping coach there. In any case it's good to be involved with a top club.

Schwarzer still saving goals in a recent game against Japan.

But for someone who want to be his nation's first choice keeper the Chelsea move was wrong. That's why I think it was the right decision for him to retire now. And what a record he leaves! A top and consistent performer for club and country over 20 years. He holds the record for most EPL games of any foreign born (non-British Isles) player. And he will be remembered as a legend.

Schwarzer's famous heroics that took Australia to the 2006 World Cup.

Schwarzer was also a hero off the field with his charity work, including authoring children's books such as the Vootball Kids.

So long Schwarzy, and may the Schwarz be with you!