The Sydney FC new boy also serves as the Australian Professional Footballers’ President and has helped structure the new deal with Football Federation Australia.

It is designed to create a clear structure in Australian football with players guaranteed a minimum wage, medical guarantees in the event of serious career-ending injuries and extended career development programs.

From the FFA’s side, it means the players gain a larger slice of the cake but in a way that does not threaten the future of the clubs they play for and the game as a whole.

Colosimo was joined at today’s Sydney launch by FFA CEO Ben Buckley, PFA CEO Brendan Schwab and Melbourne Victory CEO Geoff Miles.

The Sydney midfielder knows all too well how a lack of structure has proved costly in the past.

He said: “This is a wonderful day for footballers in this country. We have a great platform to move forward in this country and in the world.

“We really appreciate the efforts of both the FFA and the PFA in negotiating and finalising this agreement.

“As players we understand that it’s the longevity of the game that’s important. This shows we’re not just in it for ourselves.

“To be honest it’s the best possible outcome it could have been. We’ve got better injury compensation than they do in the Premier League in England.”

Colosimo hopes the new deal will also provide an incentive for senior players to continue to head ‘home’ to Australia while perhaps delaying the departure of young talent.

He said: “How can you not love living in Australia? The working conditions are excellent and everything’s there for us.

“I think it’s one of those things where guys have to see it to believe it.

“I was at Carlton when it went bust and it was only 18 months ago that we got paid something like 85 cents in the dollar. So I think the salary cap evens things up a little bit and you know you’re going to be here.

“You know clubs aren’t going to go bust because they’re spending too much money. I think that’s important. You look at it and in two year’s time the average (salary) is going to be close to $125,000 (per senior player). That’s a pretty high average. We’ve come a long way.”

FFA CEO Buckley said: “This deal strikes a great balance between clubs, players and the (football) industry.

“It’s another foundation in the growth of the game. This is another good news day for the Hyundai A-League.

“The new agreement contains measures which are very important to professional players such as an increase in the minimum wage (from $42k to $45k for senior players over 21), increased and improved entitlements relating to career-ending injury, access to medical services and relocation and a continuing commitment to player education and development through My Football Career.”

PFA CEO Schwab said: “The PFA sees this as a great day for all the players. We want players to leave football as better people and leave the game in better shape.

“From a player perspective, the CBA gives players a clear framework and confidence in their capacity to plan their life and build a career around football.”

Geoff Miles of Melbourne Victory said: "It does give us certainty as we go forward."