From 2008 until 2011 he had an early twilight to his career, rediscovering his form and love of football at Turkish club Galatasaray, where he was warmly embraced by the fans and enjoyed three largely-injury-free years. At 33, Kewell returned to Australia with Melbourne Victory.

Had it been another player, it would have been a very respectable age to return. Had it been another player, there may not have been the pressure that was placed on Kewell.

It was almost as if he had the competition’s sustainability on his shoulders, and while his first season was successful, a highly paid move to Qatar, followed by a far less impactful return with Melbourne Heart, slightly soured the Australian’s aura back home.

It was homecomings like Kewell’s – perhaps unfairly immortalised by a disastrous penalty kick for Melbourne Heart – that characterised the opinions on returning for the likes of Mark Bresciano and Mark Schwarzer. The risks, they cited, outweigh the benefits.