MASSIMO Luongo says that he hopes to do all his well-wishers proud after it was confirmed that he would become the third player in Swindon Town history to represent his country at a World Cup finals.
As the Socceroos prepare to kick-off their campaign against Chile this evening, the midfielder revealed that he was thankful for the opportunity to pull on the green and gold shirt.
“All the boys tweeted me,” he said. “Everyone is behind me at Swindon which is nice to hear. The coaching staff and the gaffer (have messaged me) which has been good. A few people on the staff too. Everyone is getting behind me which is nice.
“I appreciate everything - all the support and the messages. Hopefully I’ll do them proud. After a long season at Swindon I felt like it was a good reward for me. I’m quite thankful to the coach and the gaffer for giving me the opportunity.”
As focus now switches to the Australians’ opening group game against the South Americans, Luongo declared the Socceroos' intentions at the tournament.
“To advance to the next stage,” he said. “It’s a tough group. We want to go out there and win, that’s what we’re planning and focusing on against Chile. We’ll try to break them down and win the game. We’re not looking to hide or to defend; we’re not like that. It’s good to know that everyone is supporting us.”
Australian’s campaign kicks-off at 11pm.
