HARRY Kewell sounds happy and relaxed after a morning on the golf course, despite the northern English drizzle. But as he addresses the subject of his stalled attempt to finish his career in the A-League, his exasperation is obvious.

''Naturally I'm very disappointed and even a little bit sad about what's happened since I showed some interest in coming back to the A-League,'' says Kewell. ''I think the worst part is people don't really know the whole story because up to now no one has heard my side of it.''

Harry Kewell. Credit:AP

What should have been a welcome story for Australian soccer after a series of recent setbacks has instead become an increasingly frenzied debate about whether Kewell is worth the money he is demanding - particularly given that the unorthodox revenue sharing agreement proposed by his management does not make his price-tag clear-cut.

But, Kewell makes it clear his interest in playing in the A-League is sincere and motivated by more than just money. ''From the time the A-League started I've been asked about it all the time and I've always said I wanted to come back when the time was right,'' says Kewell. ''Whether that is now or later down the track, it's something I really want to do. To give something back, not just to the A-League but something beyond that.''