'It's a massive honour': Denis Genreau reflects on historic Socceroos debut

Denis Genreau made history in more ways than one when he became Socceroo cap #610 against Chinese Taipei on Tuesday morning (AEST). 

The 22-year-old is not only now the first man to play for the national team while representing Macarthur FC, but he also became the first French-born Socceroo. 

After moving to Australia as a youngster, Genreau progressed through the ranks at Melbourne City's NPL and A-League sides, debuting in Australia's top flight at just 17. 

In 2018 he traded the A-League for the Eredivisie, enjoying a productive spell at PEC Zwolle that coincided with his first call-up into Socceroos camp. 

MATCH REPORT: Duke strikes double as dominant Socceroos defeat Chinese Taipei

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Socceroos v Nepal

Following his return home and solid first season with Macarthur, Genreau was duly rewarded with another call-up from Graham Arnold: this one, resulting in his international debut. 

After playing 84 minutes for Australia in their 5-1 win over Chinese Taipei alongside some players he has always looked up to, the midfielder spoke to exactly how much the moment meant.

"It's a massive honour, I'm really, really happy that I've been given the opportunity and it's an honour to represent my country," said Genreau. 

"It's a massive credit as well to the coaching staff at Macarthur and the players as well, without them I wouldn't be here today so a massive thank you to everyone. 

"To be captained by Trent Sainsbury, there's a lot of players I look up to in the squad and to play alongside them is a massive honour and I'm very, very happy.

"The coaching staff and the players gave me a lot of confidence and it felt pretty comfortable out there." 

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Genreau
Denis Genreau earned Socceroos cap #610 on Tuesday (AEST)

Moving forward, Genreau will not only be hoping to make his mark on the Socceroos' remaining FIFA World Cup Qualifiers, but he is also a strong chance at becoming an Olympian. 

While the six-time Australia U23 is refusing to look beyond the upcoming fixtures, he knows the camp is a golden opportunity to continue growing as a player and catch the eye of Arnold - who will select his 17-man squad for the Olympic Men's Football Tournament later this month. 

"For me everything's a learning experience for me at the moment," reflected Genreau. 

"To come into camp, lean on the older boys, is another learning experience for me and the team and you know really looking forward to what the future holds."

Socceroos’ June Schedule

Australia 3-0 Kuwait

Highlights: Socceroos v Kuwait

Australia 5-1 Chinese Taipei

MINI MATCH: Socceroos v Chinese Taipei

Nepal v Australia

Friday, 11 June 2021 (12 June AEST)
Venue: Jaber Al-Hamad International Stadium
Kick-off: 7.00pm local, 2.00am AEST (Saturday morning)
Watch on Fox Sports, Kayo Sports and My Football Live App.
More on how to watch here.

Australia v Jordan

Tuesday, 15 June 2021 (16 June AEST)
Venue: TBC
Kick-off: TBC
Watch on Fox Sports, Kayo Sports, ABC TV, and My Football Live App.

 

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This article was originally published on the Socceroos website.
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