Marc “Wazza” Warren is a true cult hero of the A-League.
Perth Glory management have this week announced the departure of the 26-year-old from their books in a horrifying twist to the ever-enjoyable Marc Warren saga.
Known for his lack of hair and immense flair, Wazza has been allowed to move on “in order to explore new opportunities elsewhere”.
And the spitballing has already begun.
Appiah off to the K_league. With this we assume Marc Warren’s move to AC Milan should be completed within the next 24 hours.
— The Glory Guerrilla (@TheGloryGuerill) January 31, 2018
With AC Milan’s owner bankrupt and their squad’s future uncertain, the seven-time Champions League winners could use a left-back of the same mould as fiery coach Gennaro Gattuso.
But for now enjoy this heartfelt tribute as the nation mourns the loss of yet another bald-headed A-League icon.
Early Years
Marc Warren indicated from an early age that he was a footballing force to be reckoned with.
Having already represented Australia in junior levels, the marauding fullback earned a trial alongside Central Coast Mariners teammate Trent Sainsbury at Championship side Sheffield United.
The prodigy outgunned our national team’s best centre-back and earned a two year deal with the Blades.
“Warren showed that he was a bright young talent and proved he was a versatile left sided player. training with the 1st team and Captain of the reserve team Warren showed leadership and determination.”
This vague quote from his Wikipedia entry seemingly portrays Wazza as the toast of the county back in 2011.
But the paragraph failed to detail that Warren never featured for Sheffield’s first team.
He instead signed for Airdrie United in the Scottish Division One after his contract expired.
It was a move that didn’t really pan out all that well, paving the way for Warren’s treasured return home to partner Alessandro Del Piero as the joint stars of a new-look Sydney FC.
Sydney FC
The always humble Marc Warren did more for his legacy in eight matches for the Sky Blues in 2013/14 than most battlers manage their entire careers.
This poorly edited and truly bizarre highlights video that by all indications was created by the man himself could not have captured the season more perfectly (beware the 30 seconds of nothing at the end).
Warren was sent off once in his Sydney. In a Big Blue at that.
The defender denied Connor Pain a clear goalscoring opportunity to earn a straight red with the free kick that followed resulting in a goal to James Troisi.
The Football Sack co-founder Matthew Greenlaw wrote at the time:
“Warren confirmed that he is one of the worst defenders to wear a sky blue shirt since Michael Frontzeck failed miserably for City.”
Perth Glory
In 2015 the Glory handed Marc Warren a thoroughly warranted career lifeline after a two year stint in the depths of the NPL with APIA Leichhardt.
The entire country erupted in widespread elation before settling to witness the spectacle of nearly three more seasons with Wazza.
As seen at the 1:34 mark in the video above, goalkeeper Liam Reddy and the beloved Sutherland Shire product created magic in their own half throughout last season.
The crème de la crème of this partnership was this iconic moment as the pair operated in tandem to concede in what could only be described as modern art.
But after a sprinkling of appearances this year – including a central midfield super-sub cameo – Marc Warren’s time out West came to an abrupt end.
Marc Warren & Marcos Alonso on the same pitch. World might just end on that day.
— Avirup (@CentralWinger_) February 8, 2018
The dream of having Warren duel with the likes of Willian and Fabregas in July were crushed indifferently by Perth’s management after the devastating announcement.
Now the career of a man A-League fans are emotionally invested in with completeness and totality hangs in the balance.
It’s time to talk #SokkahTwitter. Who is the #ALeague‘s undisputed cult hero?
— The Football Sack (@TheFootballSack) February 21, 2018
Australia collectively holds its breath.
Will we see Wazza again?
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