Sydney midfielder Brett Emerton to retire from football

Sydney, Jan 15 (IANS) Sydney Football Club's midfielder Brett Emerton is set to retire after 18 years of playing the sport in professional ranks, local media reported Wednesday.

Emerton, 34, played 94 games for the Australia national football team, the Socceroos, and was an invaluable member of two World Cup teams, scoring 20 goals for his country, reports Xinhua.

The former Blackburn player is the third on the all-time list behind Mark Schwarzer and Lucas Neill.

But the Sydney star has been troubled by worsening back problems all season.

He has not played for the Socceroos since a game against Chinese Taipei in the East Asian Cup in late 2012.

Emerton is expected to play his final game in this Saturday's home match against defending champions Central Coast at Allianz Stadium here.