Ange Postecoglou has admitted to feeling “really emotional” after being honoured by three nations on a special night at London’s Australia House. The Tottenham manager was visibly moved by the Australian High Commission’s one-off celebration on Monday called “An Evening with Ange”, which hailed the England-based coach who, in his own words, “is a product of Greece but made in Australia”. Surrounded by fellow Australian luminaries at Spurs including Matildas Clare Hunt, Charli Grant and Hayley Raso, Postecoglou said he felt humbled by tributes from Britain’s most senior Australian and Greek diplomats.
It is a sign of just how significant a multi-cultural figure the 59-year-old has become that both Australian High Commissioner to the UK Stephen Smith and the UK’s Greek ambassador Yannis Tsaousis wanted to salute him with keynote addresses. “He’s a great football coach, a great Australian, a great human being,” Smith told AAP. “He’s a great multicultural success, representing a great modern, diverse, tolerant country.
” The tributes left Postecoglou reflecting on a remarkable journey that took an Greek immigrant child in Melbourne all the way to one of the world’s biggest football leagues. “I do very much feel a product of Greece, but made in Australia, and feel really closely connected to both countries,” he told his audience. “I feel very strongly about the journey I’ve had as an immigrant, not so much for myself, but to keep honouring .
