The former Queensland Roar forward has just landed back in Sydney and is considering his options after the governing body ruled it would be home-grown talent only.

Imports are preventing Malaysian youngsters getting opportunities is the official line being taken and the move has meant Milicic cannot take up the second year of his playing contract.

However, he revealed to au.fourfourtwo.com that his club did offer him a chance to remain as assistant coach but with the new season not due to start until January, he decided the time was right to return to Australia.

Milicic, 34, said: “It really came as a bolt out of the blue to be honest. They say a week’s a long time in football don’t they? I guess my timing is just terrible.

“I was just starting training and then this news comes through. To be fair to the club they did offer me a position as assistant coach but I wasn’t sure if that would mean I’d be retired or not.

“There was also the chance of something in Singapore in January but to honest I think there’s a time where you need stability, my boy’s starting school and I think we’ll stay in Sydney now.”

Milicic isn’t ready to hang the boots up just yet and hopes to combine some coaching with playing at state league level when the new season gets underway.

He said: “I already have my B Licence and there’s been some contact with Football New South Wales. I’d like to do some coaching.”

Milicic, who exited Roar last season, has been able to keep a close eye on his old club through Malaysian television and now he is back in Australia, will continue to follow their fortunes.

He said: “They’ll be fine, they’ve had a slow start but they’ll be right. They have a good side, the coaching side there is very good and so there’s nothing to worry about.”