Speculation has been rampant since he signed for the sky blues that he may miss their first match as a result of national team duties.

The Socceroos play Malaysia in a friendly the night before the A-League season re-starts and then face Oman in a World Cup qualifer three days later.

But Emerton has been excused Socceroos duties to allow him to settle into his new side - to the relief of him, his club and A-League fans.

“I’m happy that I’ll be able to make my debut for Sydney FC in the first game of the season,” Emerton said. “It’s going to be a huge game and it will be great to be part of it.

“As I said all along I wanted to play in the opening game of the season and I love playing for my country but the decision was not mine to make.

"Holger has made the decision and now I’ll prepare for the match on October 8 but I also look forward to the next time I play for the national team as I have aspirations to play in another World Cup in 2014.”

After two weeks of speculation, Sydney FC CEO Dirk Melton was pleased that the opening match of the Hyundai A-League season between Sydney FC and Melbourne Victory will feature a clash between the two biggest names in the competition.

“Sydney FC, and football fans in general, are excited that the A-League has a once in a lifetime opportunity to kick off the season with two of the greatest players in the history of Australian Football both making their debuts together,” he said.

“Having Brett and Harry in Sydney FC and Melbourne Victory colours to kick off the season is a huge statement that the A-League has lifted to another level. The impact of that match will be significant, not just for that game but across all clubs and the entire season.

“Football fans can now welcome the pair to the A-League with a big occasion before Sydney FC fans give Brett a huge welcome in his first home game when we play Brisbane Roar at the Sydney Football Stadium on October 15.”