Former Liverpool and Leeds United star Harry Kewell has been voted Australia's greatest ever footballer.
Kewell was awarded the honour, which was decided by public voting and the input of a panel of experts, at a ceremony late Thursday in Sydney.
The 33-year-old, who returned recently to England after a season in the A-League with Melbourne Victory, was not present to collect the award but described it as "an incredible honour".
"I'm humbled by the award and very grateful, especially given that the public have had such a say in the final result and the number of great footballers this country has produced over the years," Kewell told the gathering.
"To be named amongst such great players in the greatest ever Australian team, both past and current, is something I will never forget."
More than 15,000 public votes were cast during the selection process, while a panel of current and former players, administrators and commentators also helped determine the winner.
Kewell, who left home as a 15-year-old to play in Leeds United's youth team, went on to play for Leeds, Liverpool and Galatasaray and played in two FIFA World Cups with Australia, scoring 17 goals in 58 international appearances.
Source: AFP
