It was 1996 and I was at Channel 7 in Melbourne preparing to go on air for Sportsworld.
Sitting in the journalist's office I was being briefed by Sandy Roberts about the content of the segment.
The topic was the Socceroos' attempt to qualify for the 1998 World Cup by defeating one of the minnows of world football, Tahiti.
As is always the case people winding people up to get a reaction is common place. Sandy was doing just that, when he sarcastically said: "You don't get a cap for playing against Tahiti do ya?"
It was a reflection of the status countries like Tahiti were held in the world game. They were in the 80s on FIFA rankings with the Socceroos at a modest 40. Whilst I was quick to defend the island nation it prompted me to put my career in some sort of perspective.
Within minutes, right then and there, I retired.
For months I'd been the target of journalists wanting my blood. One particular journalist went as far as giving a dozen reasons why I should retire. Comments like midfielder Aurelio Vidmar should have played more times for Australia and Paul Wade (midfielder) should have retired years ago in order for him to do so.
However I loved being selected for my country. I had the same passion as I did when I played against Czechoslovakia in 1986. If a coach is going to pick you to play for the Socceroos I wasn't going to argue now, was I?
I was taking so many anti-inflammatory tablets you'd thought I was sponsored by them. However despite all the pain I was willing to push through.
When Sandy Roberts made his comment I instantly questioned why. Was I doing it for the caps or the fame? It certainly wasn't for the money. The Socceroos used to get $300 for a win, $200 for a draw and $100 if we lost. Whatever the reasons all of a sudden they didn't make sense.
The relief was so overwhelming that I phoned my wife straight away. She nearly fell off her seat, she was that shocked.
To this day I've never wanted to play again. I couldn't even if I wanted to with my body falling apart and then the brain operation to solve my epilepsy.
This is a story that Mark Viduka must be tormented by today. When Mark had to be talked out of retirement by Graham Arnold he should have walked away then and there.
The motivation for playing for the Socceroos must come from within. He's had a brilliant career even picking up the gong for 'Melbourne's Footballer of the Century'.
I'm not saying he's not good enough to play for the Socceroos but the 2010 World Cup is a long time to be tormented.