Gilgeous-Alexander enters one of NBA's most elite clubs
He's the most valuable player. The scoring champion. And now, an NBA champion along with NBA Finals MVP.
All in one season.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has entered one of the game's most elite clubs.
The 26-year-old Canadian is atop the basketball world now in almost every way imaginable after he led the Oklahoma City Thunder to the NBA title, beating the Indiana Pacers 103-91 to win the finals in a seven-game thriller.
He becomes the fourth player in NBA history to win MVP, Finals MVP, a scoring title and play for a champion in the same season. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar did it once, Michael Jordan then did it four times, and Shaquille O'Neal was the last entrant into that fraternity - until now.
"It's hard to believe that I'm part of that group. It's hard to even fathom that I'm that type of basketball player sometimes," Gilgeous-Alexander said" ... I'm just glad and happy that my dreams have been able to come true."
The title caps a season where the Thunder won 84 games, tied for the third most by any team in any season in NBA history.
Gilgeous-Alexander finished the season with 64 games of at least 30 points. The only other players to score 30 points that many times in a season: Wilt Chamberlain, Rick Barry, Elgin Baylor, Bob McAdoo, James Harden, Jordan and Abdul-Jabbar.
This was not a sneak attack up the ladder of superstardom. Gilgeous-Alexander has been climbing those rungs for years.
He's one of only two players — Giannis Antetokounmpo is the other — to average at least 30 points per game in each of the last three seasons.
He led Canada to a bronze medal (over the United States, no less) at the World Cup in 2023, been an All-Star and first-team All-NBA pick for three years running, and just finished a season where he posted career bests in points and assists per game.
He scored 3172 points this season, including playoffs, the ninth-most by any player in NBA history.
Oh, and he's a champion now.
"He's getting better every year in just about everything," Thunder coach Mark Daigneault said. "I think he's really improved as a playmaker. … And then he's an unbelievable scorer, and incredibly efficient. We lean into that."
Opponents have no choice but to marvel at how Gilgeous-Alexander does what he does. He's not a high-flying artist like Jordan, not an unstoppable force of power like LeBron James, not a 3-point dazzler like Stephen Curry.
He looks like he's playing at his own pace much of time, largely because defences have few ways to slow him down or speed him up.
"Shai, he's so good," said star Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton during the series. "He's so slippery in between those gaps. He splits screens, like, I don't know how he's doing that. … He's a really tough cover."
He's the most valuable player. The scoring champion. And now, an NBA champion along with NBA Finals MVP.
All in one season.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has entered one of the game's most elite clubs.
The 26-year-old Canadian is atop the basketball world now in almost every way imaginable after he led the Oklahoma City Thunder to the NBA title, beating the Indiana Pacers 103-91 to win the finals in a seven-game thriller.
He becomes the fourth player in NBA history to win MVP, Finals MVP, a scoring title and play for a champion in the same season. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar did it once, Michael Jordan then did it four times, and Shaquille O'Neal was the last entrant into that fraternity - until now.
"It's hard to believe that I'm part of that group. It's hard to even fathom that I'm that type of basketball player sometimes," Gilgeous-Alexander said" ... I'm just glad and happy that my dreams have been able to come true."
The title caps a season where the Thunder won 84 games, tied for the third most by any team in any season in NBA history.
Gilgeous-Alexander finished the season with 64 games of at least 30 points. The only other players to score 30 points that many times in a season: Wilt Chamberlain, Rick Barry, Elgin Baylor, Bob McAdoo, James Harden, Jordan and Abdul-Jabbar.
This was not a sneak attack up the ladder of superstardom. Gilgeous-Alexander has been climbing those rungs for years.
He's one of only two players — Giannis Antetokounmpo is the other — to average at least 30 points per game in each of the last three seasons.
He led Canada to a bronze medal (over the United States, no less) at the World Cup in 2023, been an All-Star and first-team All-NBA pick for three years running, and just finished a season where he posted career bests in points and assists per game.
He scored 3172 points this season, including playoffs, the ninth-most by any player in NBA history.
Oh, and he's a champion now.
"He's getting better every year in just about everything," Thunder coach Mark Daigneault said. "I think he's really improved as a playmaker. … And then he's an unbelievable scorer, and incredibly efficient. We lean into that."
Opponents have no choice but to marvel at how Gilgeous-Alexander does what he does. He's not a high-flying artist like Jordan, not an unstoppable force of power like LeBron James, not a 3-point dazzler like Stephen Curry.
He looks like he's playing at his own pace much of time, largely because defences have few ways to slow him down or speed him up.
"Shai, he's so good," said star Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton during the series. "He's so slippery in between those gaps. He splits screens, like, I don't know how he's doing that. … He's a really tough cover."
He's the most valuable player. The scoring champion. And now, an NBA champion along with NBA Finals MVP.
All in one season.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has entered one of the game's most elite clubs.
The 26-year-old Canadian is atop the basketball world now in almost every way imaginable after he led the Oklahoma City Thunder to the NBA title, beating the Indiana Pacers 103-91 to win the finals in a seven-game thriller.
He becomes the fourth player in NBA history to win MVP, Finals MVP, a scoring title and play for a champion in the same season. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar did it once, Michael Jordan then did it four times, and Shaquille O'Neal was the last entrant into that fraternity - until now.
"It's hard to believe that I'm part of that group. It's hard to even fathom that I'm that type of basketball player sometimes," Gilgeous-Alexander said" ... I'm just glad and happy that my dreams have been able to come true."
The title caps a season where the Thunder won 84 games, tied for the third most by any team in any season in NBA history.
Gilgeous-Alexander finished the season with 64 games of at least 30 points. The only other players to score 30 points that many times in a season: Wilt Chamberlain, Rick Barry, Elgin Baylor, Bob McAdoo, James Harden, Jordan and Abdul-Jabbar.
This was not a sneak attack up the ladder of superstardom. Gilgeous-Alexander has been climbing those rungs for years.
He's one of only two players — Giannis Antetokounmpo is the other — to average at least 30 points per game in each of the last three seasons.
He led Canada to a bronze medal (over the United States, no less) at the World Cup in 2023, been an All-Star and first-team All-NBA pick for three years running, and just finished a season where he posted career bests in points and assists per game.
He scored 3172 points this season, including playoffs, the ninth-most by any player in NBA history.
Oh, and he's a champion now.
"He's getting better every year in just about everything," Thunder coach Mark Daigneault said. "I think he's really improved as a playmaker. … And then he's an unbelievable scorer, and incredibly efficient. We lean into that."
Opponents have no choice but to marvel at how Gilgeous-Alexander does what he does. He's not a high-flying artist like Jordan, not an unstoppable force of power like LeBron James, not a 3-point dazzler like Stephen Curry.
He looks like he's playing at his own pace much of time, largely because defences have few ways to slow him down or speed him up.
"Shai, he's so good," said star Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton during the series. "He's so slippery in between those gaps. He splits screens, like, I don't know how he's doing that. … He's a really tough cover."
He's the most valuable player. The scoring champion. And now, an NBA champion along with NBA Finals MVP.
All in one season.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has entered one of the game's most elite clubs.
The 26-year-old Canadian is atop the basketball world now in almost every way imaginable after he led the Oklahoma City Thunder to the NBA title, beating the Indiana Pacers 103-91 to win the finals in a seven-game thriller.
He becomes the fourth player in NBA history to win MVP, Finals MVP, a scoring title and play for a champion in the same season. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar did it once, Michael Jordan then did it four times, and Shaquille O'Neal was the last entrant into that fraternity - until now.
"It's hard to believe that I'm part of that group. It's hard to even fathom that I'm that type of basketball player sometimes," Gilgeous-Alexander said" ... I'm just glad and happy that my dreams have been able to come true."
The title caps a season where the Thunder won 84 games, tied for the third most by any team in any season in NBA history.
Gilgeous-Alexander finished the season with 64 games of at least 30 points. The only other players to score 30 points that many times in a season: Wilt Chamberlain, Rick Barry, Elgin Baylor, Bob McAdoo, James Harden, Jordan and Abdul-Jabbar.
This was not a sneak attack up the ladder of superstardom. Gilgeous-Alexander has been climbing those rungs for years.
He's one of only two players — Giannis Antetokounmpo is the other — to average at least 30 points per game in each of the last three seasons.
He led Canada to a bronze medal (over the United States, no less) at the World Cup in 2023, been an All-Star and first-team All-NBA pick for three years running, and just finished a season where he posted career bests in points and assists per game.
He scored 3172 points this season, including playoffs, the ninth-most by any player in NBA history.
Oh, and he's a champion now.
"He's getting better every year in just about everything," Thunder coach Mark Daigneault said. "I think he's really improved as a playmaker. … And then he's an unbelievable scorer, and incredibly efficient. We lean into that."
Opponents have no choice but to marvel at how Gilgeous-Alexander does what he does. He's not a high-flying artist like Jordan, not an unstoppable force of power like LeBron James, not a 3-point dazzler like Stephen Curry.
He looks like he's playing at his own pace much of time, largely because defences have few ways to slow him down or speed him up.
"Shai, he's so good," said star Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton during the series. "He's so slippery in between those gaps. He splits screens, like, I don't know how he's doing that. … He's a really tough cover."
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Wallabies sharpening skills ahead of Lions and Fiji
With 12 months of the Joe Schmidt reign behind them the Wallabies have launched straight into "re-sharpening the sword" for the British and Irish Lions. The Wallabies gathered in Sydney on Monday for their first training session ahead of three-Test Lions series which begins next month, and fullback Tom Wright said they hit the ground running. "This morning was less about trying to push over a fresh load of information and plays and structures onto everyone's plate, and more about a refresher, and getting everyone back into language and lingo, and then everyone just sort of hitting the ground running," the Brumbies gun said. "Last year it was a lot of trying to digest and absorb stuff but today it was just re-sharpening the sword, and it was exciting to see that translate as opposed to just picking it up fresh last year." With 37 Tests under his belt, Wright had a breakout campaign for the Wallabies on last year's spring tour, scoring a hat-trick against Wales as well as racking up major carry metres and clean breaks. But with superstar league convert Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii able to play just about anywhere in the backline, including fullback, Wright knows there's competition for the No.15 jersey - and welcomes it. "He goes pretty well anytime he's on the field," Wright said of Suaalii, who was man of the match in his Test debut against England in November. "His talent is probably second to none in the group, and you pair that with his work ethic that he's got, it's really impressive, and he gets the most out of all of us as his teammates. "It was good to see competition for spots heat up today at training, so that's the luxury that the coaching staff have. There's going to be guys that miss out." While the touring Lions are the primary goal, the initial focus for the Australians is their Test against Fiji in Newcastle on July 6. It's the first time the teams have squared off since Fiji shocked the Wallabies at the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France, breaking a 69-year drought. The Fiji win helped send the Australians crashing out of the tournament at the pool stage. Wright, who was a shock omission from the World Cup by then coach Eddie Jones, said the Wallabies couldn't afford to look past the Fijians, who have included 15 northern hemisphere-based players in a threatening squad. "Obviously we get a taste of the Fijians with the Drua throughout the (Super Rugby) season so we know how lethal they'll be, with and without the ball, and then you drip in some of the guys from Europe obviously, some of the most talented players in the world. "We've got our eyes set on Newcastle and that being a really important fixture to leap-frog into what is obviously a strong Lions side in July too." The Lions have arrived in Perth ahead of their clash with the Western Force and will be licking their wounds after falling to Argentina in their warm-up Test. But Wright said both teams played "exciting footy" and the Wallabies couldn't read much into the result. "The Argentinians were really good and I wouldn't say the Lions played really poorly," the 27-year-old said. "That's a bunch of guys trying to come together for the first time really. I wouldn't read heaps into it." With 12 months of the Joe Schmidt reign behind them the Wallabies have launched straight into "re-sharpening the sword" for the British and Irish Lions. The Wallabies gathered in Sydney on Monday for their first training session ahead of three-Test Lions series which begins next month, and fullback Tom Wright said they hit the ground running. "This morning was less about trying to push over a fresh load of information and plays and structures onto everyone's plate, and more about a refresher, and getting everyone back into language and lingo, and then everyone just sort of hitting the ground running," the Brumbies gun said. "Last year it was a lot of trying to digest and absorb stuff but today it was just re-sharpening the sword, and it was exciting to see that translate as opposed to just picking it up fresh last year." With 37 Tests under his belt, Wright had a breakout campaign for the Wallabies on last year's spring tour, scoring a hat-trick against Wales as well as racking up major carry metres and clean breaks. But with superstar league convert Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii able to play just about anywhere in the backline, including fullback, Wright knows there's competition for the No.15 jersey - and welcomes it. "He goes pretty well anytime he's on the field," Wright said of Suaalii, who was man of the match in his Test debut against England in November. "His talent is probably second to none in the group, and you pair that with his work ethic that he's got, it's really impressive, and he gets the most out of all of us as his teammates. "It was good to see competition for spots heat up today at training, so that's the luxury that the coaching staff have. There's going to be guys that miss out." While the touring Lions are the primary goal, the initial focus for the Australians is their Test against Fiji in Newcastle on July 6. It's the first time the teams have squared off since Fiji shocked the Wallabies at the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France, breaking a 69-year drought. The Fiji win helped send the Australians crashing out of the tournament at the pool stage. Wright, who was a shock omission from the World Cup by then coach Eddie Jones, said the Wallabies couldn't afford to look past the Fijians, who have included 15 northern hemisphere-based players in a threatening squad. "Obviously we get a taste of the Fijians with the Drua throughout the (Super Rugby) season so we know how lethal they'll be, with and without the ball, and then you drip in some of the guys from Europe obviously, some of the most talented players in the world. "We've got our eyes set on Newcastle and that being a really important fixture to leap-frog into what is obviously a strong Lions side in July too." The Lions have arrived in Perth ahead of their clash with the Western Force and will be licking their wounds after falling to Argentina in their warm-up Test. But Wright said both teams played "exciting footy" and the Wallabies couldn't read much into the result. "The Argentinians were really good and I wouldn't say the Lions played really poorly," the 27-year-old said. "That's a bunch of guys trying to come together for the first time really. I wouldn't read heaps into it." With 12 months of the Joe Schmidt reign behind them the Wallabies have launched straight into "re-sharpening the sword" for the British and Irish Lions. The Wallabies gathered in Sydney on Monday for their first training session ahead of three-Test Lions series which begins next month, and fullback Tom Wright said they hit the ground running. "This morning was less about trying to push over a fresh load of information and plays and structures onto everyone's plate, and more about a refresher, and getting everyone back into language and lingo, and then everyone just sort of hitting the ground running," the Brumbies gun said. "Last year it was a lot of trying to digest and absorb stuff but today it was just re-sharpening the sword, and it was exciting to see that translate as opposed to just picking it up fresh last year." With 37 Tests under his belt, Wright had a breakout campaign for the Wallabies on last year's spring tour, scoring a hat-trick against Wales as well as racking up major carry metres and clean breaks. But with superstar league convert Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii able to play just about anywhere in the backline, including fullback, Wright knows there's competition for the No.15 jersey - and welcomes it. "He goes pretty well anytime he's on the field," Wright said of Suaalii, who was man of the match in his Test debut against England in November. "His talent is probably second to none in the group, and you pair that with his work ethic that he's got, it's really impressive, and he gets the most out of all of us as his teammates. "It was good to see competition for spots heat up today at training, so that's the luxury that the coaching staff have. There's going to be guys that miss out." While the touring Lions are the primary goal, the initial focus for the Australians is their Test against Fiji in Newcastle on July 6. It's the first time the teams have squared off since Fiji shocked the Wallabies at the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France, breaking a 69-year drought. The Fiji win helped send the Australians crashing out of the tournament at the pool stage. Wright, who was a shock omission from the World Cup by then coach Eddie Jones, said the Wallabies couldn't afford to look past the Fijians, who have included 15 northern hemisphere-based players in a threatening squad. "Obviously we get a taste of the Fijians with the Drua throughout the (Super Rugby) season so we know how lethal they'll be, with and without the ball, and then you drip in some of the guys from Europe obviously, some of the most talented players in the world. "We've got our eyes set on Newcastle and that being a really important fixture to leap-frog into what is obviously a strong Lions side in July too." The Lions have arrived in Perth ahead of their clash with the Western Force and will be licking their wounds after falling to Argentina in their warm-up Test. But Wright said both teams played "exciting footy" and the Wallabies couldn't read much into the result. "The Argentinians were really good and I wouldn't say the Lions played really poorly," the 27-year-old said. "That's a bunch of guys trying to come together for the first time really. I wouldn't read heaps into it."
The Advertiser
9 hours ago
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Matildas already singing to the Montemurro tune
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"And it's also a challenge ... especially against, opposition where you're under pressure a lot. "But I think when you have that trust from your coach that believes in the team to be able to do that, it feels good. "I can't wait to get started." The Matildas will be without plenty of star power for the games in WA. Sam Kerr is still recovering from her ruptured ACL and also a more recent injury that required surgery. Fellow star attacker Mary Fowler (knee) is also out with her own long-term injury, while Steph Catley, Caitlin Foord, Cortnee Vine and Katrina Gorry are on leave. Tameka Yallop (leg) is another player who is absent. Wheeler is amongst nine players who will only be available for the first two matches of the four-game block. Nevertheless, Wheeler said the two-week camp will be critical in helping the squad prepare for next year's Asian Cup, which begins on March 1. "There's not many camps left before Asian Cup, so every camp matters," she said. "Joe's come in with a wealth of experience, and he has a certain ideology of how he wants to play going forward. "These first couple of days, it's about taking as much as we can in and with these games it's going to be really good for us to try and implement that. "It's going to take maybe a bit of time, and that's why we have these games. "Do I think it's going to be perfect straight off the bat? I don't know. We're going to try our best." Perth is a happy place for Wheeler, having scored her first international goal at Optus Stadium during the Matildas' 8-0 romp over the Philippines in 2023. "Honestly, just pure joy," Wheeler said of the goal. "Hopefully I can do it again." The Joe Montemurro era at the Matildas has officially begun, and the new game plan is music to the ears for midfielder Clare Wheeler. The Matildas have assembled in Perth ahead of two games against Slovenia and two games against Panama. The action kicks off on Thursday night when the Matildas host Slovenia at HBF Park, with the match marking Montemurro's first game in charge of the national side. The four games in Western Australia are an important building block for Montemurro ahead of the 2026 Asian Cup in Australia, the 2027 World Cup in Brazil, and the 2028 Olympics. Montemurro has already held meetings with his players, and Wheeler is liking the fluid and control-style game plan the former Arsenal, Lyon and Juventus coach is encouraging. "As a midfielder, you want to get on the ball," Wheeler said. "So it's great when a coach says that he wants you on the ball. I think that's music to our ears. "And it's also a challenge ... especially against, opposition where you're under pressure a lot. "But I think when you have that trust from your coach that believes in the team to be able to do that, it feels good. "I can't wait to get started." The Matildas will be without plenty of star power for the games in WA. Sam Kerr is still recovering from her ruptured ACL and also a more recent injury that required surgery. Fellow star attacker Mary Fowler (knee) is also out with her own long-term injury, while Steph Catley, Caitlin Foord, Cortnee Vine and Katrina Gorry are on leave. Tameka Yallop (leg) is another player who is absent. Wheeler is amongst nine players who will only be available for the first two matches of the four-game block. Nevertheless, Wheeler said the two-week camp will be critical in helping the squad prepare for next year's Asian Cup, which begins on March 1. "There's not many camps left before Asian Cup, so every camp matters," she said. "Joe's come in with a wealth of experience, and he has a certain ideology of how he wants to play going forward. "These first couple of days, it's about taking as much as we can in and with these games it's going to be really good for us to try and implement that. "It's going to take maybe a bit of time, and that's why we have these games. "Do I think it's going to be perfect straight off the bat? I don't know. We're going to try our best." Perth is a happy place for Wheeler, having scored her first international goal at Optus Stadium during the Matildas' 8-0 romp over the Philippines in 2023. "Honestly, just pure joy," Wheeler said of the goal. "Hopefully I can do it again." The Joe Montemurro era at the Matildas has officially begun, and the new game plan is music to the ears for midfielder Clare Wheeler. The Matildas have assembled in Perth ahead of two games against Slovenia and two games against Panama. The action kicks off on Thursday night when the Matildas host Slovenia at HBF Park, with the match marking Montemurro's first game in charge of the national side. The four games in Western Australia are an important building block for Montemurro ahead of the 2026 Asian Cup in Australia, the 2027 World Cup in Brazil, and the 2028 Olympics. Montemurro has already held meetings with his players, and Wheeler is liking the fluid and control-style game plan the former Arsenal, Lyon and Juventus coach is encouraging. "As a midfielder, you want to get on the ball," Wheeler said. "So it's great when a coach says that he wants you on the ball. I think that's music to our ears. "And it's also a challenge ... especially against, opposition where you're under pressure a lot. "But I think when you have that trust from your coach that believes in the team to be able to do that, it feels good. "I can't wait to get started." The Matildas will be without plenty of star power for the games in WA. Sam Kerr is still recovering from her ruptured ACL and also a more recent injury that required surgery. Fellow star attacker Mary Fowler (knee) is also out with her own long-term injury, while Steph Catley, Caitlin Foord, Cortnee Vine and Katrina Gorry are on leave. Tameka Yallop (leg) is another player who is absent. Wheeler is amongst nine players who will only be available for the first two matches of the four-game block. Nevertheless, Wheeler said the two-week camp will be critical in helping the squad prepare for next year's Asian Cup, which begins on March 1. "There's not many camps left before Asian Cup, so every camp matters," she said. "Joe's come in with a wealth of experience, and he has a certain ideology of how he wants to play going forward. "These first couple of days, it's about taking as much as we can in and with these games it's going to be really good for us to try and implement that. "It's going to take maybe a bit of time, and that's why we have these games. "Do I think it's going to be perfect straight off the bat? I don't know. We're going to try our best." Perth is a happy place for Wheeler, having scored her first international goal at Optus Stadium during the Matildas' 8-0 romp over the Philippines in 2023. "Honestly, just pure joy," Wheeler said of the goal. "Hopefully I can do it again."
The Advertiser
9 hours ago
- The Advertiser
Socceroo departs Sydney FC after contract impasse
Socceroos midfielder Anthony Caceres is departing for "continental football" after splitting with his long-time A-League club Sydney FC. Caceres, a Sky Blues great, couldn't come to contract terms to extend his esteemed 216-game career with Sydney. "The Sky Blues made a strong offer to retain Caceres' services," Sydney said in a club statement on Monday. "However the midfielder has a desire to play continental football in a World Cup season and make a move in the best interests of his family." Caceres' influence helped Sydney capture four titles and he made a long-awaited debut for the Socceroos earlier this year. The 32-year-old, who has four national caps, was pragmatic about moving to an as-yet undisclosed club. "I'm incredibly grateful for the love and support ... it has been an honour to wear the Sky Blue shirt and represent such a proud club," he said in a statement. "I've built friendships and memories that will last a lifetime. "This is a pivotal moment in my career and I need to put my family first. "I also want to keep pushing for more opportunities with the Socceroos, with the ultimate dream of a place at the World Cup." Socceroos midfielder Anthony Caceres is departing for "continental football" after splitting with his long-time A-League club Sydney FC. Caceres, a Sky Blues great, couldn't come to contract terms to extend his esteemed 216-game career with Sydney. "The Sky Blues made a strong offer to retain Caceres' services," Sydney said in a club statement on Monday. "However the midfielder has a desire to play continental football in a World Cup season and make a move in the best interests of his family." Caceres' influence helped Sydney capture four titles and he made a long-awaited debut for the Socceroos earlier this year. The 32-year-old, who has four national caps, was pragmatic about moving to an as-yet undisclosed club. "I'm incredibly grateful for the love and support ... it has been an honour to wear the Sky Blue shirt and represent such a proud club," he said in a statement. "I've built friendships and memories that will last a lifetime. "This is a pivotal moment in my career and I need to put my family first. "I also want to keep pushing for more opportunities with the Socceroos, with the ultimate dream of a place at the World Cup." Socceroos midfielder Anthony Caceres is departing for "continental football" after splitting with his long-time A-League club Sydney FC. Caceres, a Sky Blues great, couldn't come to contract terms to extend his esteemed 216-game career with Sydney. "The Sky Blues made a strong offer to retain Caceres' services," Sydney said in a club statement on Monday. "However the midfielder has a desire to play continental football in a World Cup season and make a move in the best interests of his family." Caceres' influence helped Sydney capture four titles and he made a long-awaited debut for the Socceroos earlier this year. The 32-year-old, who has four national caps, was pragmatic about moving to an as-yet undisclosed club. "I'm incredibly grateful for the love and support ... it has been an honour to wear the Sky Blue shirt and represent such a proud club," he said in a statement. "I've built friendships and memories that will last a lifetime. "This is a pivotal moment in my career and I need to put my family first. "I also want to keep pushing for more opportunities with the Socceroos, with the ultimate dream of a place at the World Cup."
