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“It was a big surprise to be an over-age player when there are only three spots and I’m sure a number of over-age players would’ve jumped at the opportunity,” Thompson said.

“I was part of the Olympic squad when I was a young chap for the 2000 Games and I only managed to be on standby there, which I was just devastated with.

“I didn’t think another opportunity would come along and when Arnie (Coach Graham Arnold) mentioned the Olympics to me and a lot of the over-age players, I jumped at the chance to be involved.

“When he (Arnold) gave me a call and said you’re an Olympian I was absolutely over the moon.”

Victory’s marquee player returned from a knee injury in the club’s last AFC Champions League fixture and travelled to the Middle East for the Qantas Socceroos’ matches against Iraq and Qatar last month.

“I was so disappointed that I didn’t the get the opportunity to be part of the Socceroos’ World Cup matches, but now I’ve had time to rest and I’m really going to work hard on my knee and fitness over the next month,” Thompson added.

Thompson said he is looking to get as many as matches under his belt ahead of the Olympics and has set his sights on coming home from China with a medal.

“I remember hearing a long-distance runner, he was going to the Olympics and saying that he was at the peak of his form and was definitely hoping to be a top 10 finisher.

“And I was thinking why would you want to be top 10, wouldn’t you want to be top three?

“That’s what I want from the Olympics and I hope the younger boys in the team are thinking that too.

"You go there for a medal, not just to finish in the top five or top ten.”

Team-mate Billy Celeski, 22, who was signed by Victory earlier this year, was a key player in Australia’s Olympic qualifying campaign, describing his Olympic selection as the highlight of his career.

“First and foremost, to represent your country is a great honour and now to be going to the Olympics is the highlight of my career,” Celeski said.

“Outside of the World Cup, this is the biggest tournament for a footballer my age to play in.”

After making his debut for the Qantas Under 23s last year, Celeski arrived in Melbourne from Perth Glory and was one of Victory’s most notable performers during their maiden AFC Champions League campaign.

“The last 12 months have been massive for me,” Celeski added. “In terms of the Olympic team, I was in and out through injury and it was disappointing when I couldn’t go away with the team.

“I thought that might jeopardise my chances but I moved over to Melbourne, got really fit and played well in the AFC Champions League, which helped my Olympic preparations.”

Victory Football Operations Manager Gary Cole praised the hard work of Thompson and Celeski, who will miss at least the club’s opening Hyundai A-League clash against Sydney FC on August 16.

“On behalf of Melbourne Victory, I’d like to congratulate Archie and Billy on their selection to represent Australia at the Olympics and wish them well for what will no doubt be an exciting adventure,” Cole said.

“They are fantastic contributors at club and country level and the Olympics will provide a fantastic opportunity for them to represent our club on the world’s biggest stage.”

Australia’s Olympic campaign begins against Serbia on August 7, followed by matches against Argentina, led by Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi, on August 10 and Ivory Coast on August 13.

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