Schwarzer, who once declared he would never be tempted by the local competition, says he now rescinds that view and is open to continuing his stellar career – at the age of 43 – for at least another year, whether in Australia or elsewhere.

Having won back-to-back Premier League titles with Chelsea and then Leicester City without actually playing a league game for either club in their championship seasons, Schwarzer, who turns 44 in October, would want to be more than an understudy, which ever option he decides to take.

“I’m a free agent and there has been some interest from UK and elsewhere (along with Australia) and I haven't decided on anything yet,” said Schwarzer from London.

“It’s very flattering to be thought of in this way.

“I am just going to weigh everything up and decide what’s best in football terms and also for the family. I haven't made any decisions yet at all.”

Despite his 22 years as a professional in Europe and the UK, Schwarzer admits that he even shocks himself each year with his undying enthusiasm for the game which has made him an icon both in Australia and England.

“It keeps surprising me every year that I still have the enthusiasm and determination to keep going, but it’s still there," he said.

"I feel rested after a bit of break and not having to drive up the motorway (to train with the Foxes each day),” added Schwarzer, who parted company with Claudio Ranieri’s conquerors at the end of the season.

Reflecting on his previous remarks that the A-League would not be path he would care to tread and that it offered a "way out" for players not prepared to do the hard yards in Europe, Schwarzer explained: “In life you have to possibly never say never.

"When I said what I said it was how I felt at the time ... but in hindsight it wasn’t probably the smartest thing to say.

“There are still a number of weeks to go … I am out contract. We will wait and see and if the right offer comes along and everything is right then a decision can be made.”

Glory owner Tony Sage knows that his club may not be able to complete with the likes of Sydney FC in the quest for Schwarzer's prized signature in a season-long guest player stint under the FFA’s new regulations - but he hasn’t given up on the chase.

“The offer is there and we know Mark is talking to Sydney because his agent has confirmed that, so that’s all we can do,” he said.

“We have also tabled an offer for another season for Ante Covic (Glory’s 41 year–old shot stopper). So we hope we can get one of the two.”

The Sky Blues see Schwarzer as the ideal replacement for Ivan Necevski who has departed for Central Coast Mariners, with Vedran Janjetovic in need of competition for his spot.