Josip Skoko is aiming to enjoy his final international appearance for Australia against Argentina.
Midfielder retiring from international football
Josip Skoko is aiming to enjoy his final international appearance for Australia against Argentina.
The Wigan Athletic midfielder, who missed the summer's Asian Cup tournament, has decided to retire from international football.
He will feature in the friendly against Argentina on Tuesday and feels it is time for the younger generation to come into the national team.
"It's no surprise, it's not a shock," said Skoko in the Herald Sun.
Emotional
"It will be sad and emotional, but that's just part of evolution, part of life.
"I know it's the last game, so I've got to enjoy it."
Another key factor in Skoko's decision to retire now is the knowledge he will not be in contention for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.
He added: "You can always continue, but you've just got to ask yourself questions like, 'Do I still have what it takes?'
"You need the enthusiasm and it's just different to when you were younger.
"The body doesn't handle travel like it used to and, if I'm not going to play in the Asian Cup and I'm not going to the next World Cup, I might as well let the younger boys come in."
