Mark Schwarzer of the Stalwart Socceroos has announced his retirement from playing international football. The 41-year-old goalkeeper advised the Football Federation Australia (FFA) of his retirement on Wednesday.

Schwarzer made his debut with the Stalwart Socceroos in 1993. He became Australia's most capped player in January 2011 when he exceeded Alex Tobin's appearance record.

He has made his international debut in the qualifying match of the FIFA World Cup against Canada in 1993. Schwarzer was able to represent Australia for 109 occasions at international football from 1993 to 2013. He has also been selected to participate in the 2006 and 2010 World Cups. The most triumphant moment of his international football career took place during the qualification bid of Australia for the 2006 World Cup. Schwarzer accomplished two critical saves in the subsequent penalty shootout against Uruguay, paving the way for John Alosi to drive Australia in to the World Cup for the very first time in more than 30 years.

In 2009, Schwarzer was given the Medal of the Order of Australia. He has co-authored numerous soccer books for kids.

"Mark is a true professional," tweeted former Socceroos teammate Tim Cahill. "He is one of the country's greatest footballers," Cahill added.

Mile Sterjovski also expressed his feelings about Schwarzer's retirement on Twitter. "Congratulations to Mark Schwarzer for a brilliant career," Sterjovski tweeted. "He is one of the greats, all the best in the future, legend," wrote Sterjovski.

"Thanks and congratulations to the Great Mark Schwarzer for the shifts he put in for the Socceroos over the years, #legend," tweeted Wests Tigers player Keith Galloway.

Schwarzer's retirement is expected to open doors of opportunities to many aspiring goalkeepers such as Matthew Ryan, Mitch Langerak and Eugene Galekovic.

Schwarzer was previously reported to be with the Socceroos when the team goes to Brazil. We wonder if the change of manager from Hoger Osieck to Ange Postecoglou influenced his decision to retire.

At 41, maybe it is just about time for Schwarzer to retire. Sport is a young man's game. He has done so well and has given his country great pride. There is no question that Mark has been a great Socceroo. His contribution was phenomenal. We just hope that the new goalkeeper will learn amazing things from Schwarzer and bring the country to the top of international football league.

Cheers to Mark Schwarzer, an amazing servant of the football game and a man definitely worthy to have worn the Green and Gold.