Striker Kosta Barbarouses has revealed he joined the Western Sydney Wanderers because of a 'gut feeling' it would improve his chances of playing for New Zealand in the World Cup.
The All Whites striker was one of the big signings for Western Sydney in the off-season after they snatched him from Wellington Phoenix, who he has been with for the last three seasons.
After helping New Zealand qualify for the World Cup in March, Barbarouses said he had a "gut feeling" change was needed.
He believes he made the right choice.
"Whatever we're doing here is ultimately to get to the World Cup … it was a big factor in my decision to come here," he told AAP.
"Knowing for about six months that we qualified is a strange feeling because straight away your focus is 'I need to have a good year and get into the World Cup'.
"Knowing that I have quality around me was important because I've got a really big year this year."
Barbarouses can't believe his career continues to rise to new heights at age 35.
Last season, the striker was named Wellington's player of the year for a second consecutive season after scoring 10 goals in the A-League.
He also featured for the All Whites against Ukraine, and current Africa Cup of Nations winners Ivory Coast.
"When I was a bit younger, I thought that when I reached 35 years old, I'll be long done by then playing," Barbarouses said.
"But then the last few years, I've loved what I do, and still contribute to this team in positive ways."
Age is also on the mind of Wanderers midfielder Josh Brillante.
The 32-year-old says the mental game is as important as the physical game for him, especially as he gets older.
The midfielder's contract has been extended until the end of this A-League season, and Brillante hopes he doesn't have to leave for a "little while yet".
"As I'm getting older, I start to realise I can't do this forever, so being able to perform well and still enjoy it is more important every year," Brillante told AAP.
"I'm learning about myself every year as I get older, and how I deal with the ups and downs of sport and how emotional it can be.
"The older I get, the more I see it (mental fitness) influence players and teams, so it's a huge component which I think can be utilised in such a positive way."
The Western Sydney Wanderers take on A-League champions Melbourne City in their season opener on Saturday.
