R.E.S.P.E.C.T

Late yesterday afternoon the news of Brett Emerton retiring from football filled the twittersphere. Most football fans would have expected "Emmo" to retire at seasons end but due to ongoing injuries he has decided to retire with immediate effect. What shocks us here at insidetheboxFC is the lack of respect shown by football fans on twitter and football forums hailing Emmo's retirement as a great day and thanking god he has now finished. Some football fans have short memories, with fans of his final club Sydney FC being the worst culprits. Brett Emerton has been one of our greatest servants to the game having achieved great success in Europe and proudly representing the Socceroos on 94 occasions. Something which he classed as his highest achievement, a player who always gave his all for the green and gold and a true professional in the dressing room. Acting as a great role model for young Socceroos coming through the ranks.

Okay he didn't set the A - League on fire upon his return, and yes his pay cheque as Australian marquee didn't match his performances on the field but don't use these things to judge his whole career. He returned as a regular in a English Premiered League side, Sydney FC offered him the contract was he not supposed to sign it?. To suggest that a Micheal Zullo or Aziz Behich will become better players then Emmo (which is some stuff we are reading) is just ludicrous and a uneducated claim. Considering both of their careers are just getting off the ground in comparison to Brett Emerton's long and distinguished career. We are all entitled to our opinion but please do your research before typing, congratulations Brett Emerton on a wonderful career.

Emerton's career highlights:

Uefa cup winner 01-02
Oceania player of the year 2002
339 appearances for Feyenord & Blackburn Rovers
94 Socceroos caps
2 FIFA world cups