The 34-year-old Australian veteran was let go by the 2010-11 UAE champions despite helping them win the Emirates Cup, before later joining Diego Maradona's old club Al Wasl on a one-year deal.

“Leaving Jazira was a strange one,” Neill told Gulf News. “I genuinely felt I had given my all for the team, but the management decided they wanted to fill the Asian spot with a midfielder.

“That’s football and I respect them for that. So now I focus my energy on a successful year with Al Wasl and look forward to playing my old teammates, and hopefully getting the better of them.”

Neill added he believes he'll be better for the experience of a season in the UAE, particularly given its peculiar climate and having learned more about opposition players.

“It’s never easy in your first year in a new league, but with a season of experience under my belt I am confident this will be a good year for me,” he said.

“I understand the league and the way teams approach it, I can manage my body and preparation better — especially as the climate asks you plenty of questions — and now I know most of the players I am up against, I will be able to counter their strengths and exploit their weaknesses.”

Neill also revealed his delight at reaching 50 caps as Australia captain and reiterated his long-term career goals, with a clear eye on the 2014 World Cup and 2015 Asian Cup.

“It’s a milestone I’m truly proud of and it’s made even more special by the support I’ve received,” he said.

“My name is now etched into history alongside some fantastic captains of the past. But I am not done yet.

“There are still four goals I am determined to achieve; to qualify for Brazil 2014, earn 100-plus caps for the Socceroos, to take part in the 2015 Asian Cup and — the greatest personal achievement of all — to become the most capped captain of Australian football.”