In an emotional interview, Kewell appeared on Fox Sports FC TV show live from Turkey to defend himself against allegations made by the show’s panelist Robbie Slater in his newspaper column.

While that took up most of the ten minute interview, the Socceroo great also spoke about his future in the green and gold.

The 31-year-old said he wanted to play for Australia but said he’d respect the coach’s selections.

“I’ve never demanded to be picked for Australia. When I’m no longer picked, you won’t hear a single complaint,” Kewell said on the show.

“Until then, I’ll always play for my country. Until the manager comes up and says I’m not good enough, fair enough.

“But when an ex-teammate [Slater] says I’m not good enough, that’s disrespectful. And I don’t like that and he should know better.”

New Socceroo coach Holger Osieck is due to his name his first squad in the coming fortnight ahead of two friendlies in Europe against Switzerland and Poland.