Vicelich, 36, was taken aback by the announcement that could spell the end of Nelsen’s playing days after 49 ‘A’ internationals with the All Whites.
“It is a little bit of a shock – a shock to everyone in the country. The guy is a great player, the best player in New Zealand,” Vicelich says.
“For the All Whites there’s going to be a hole in there if he retires from the international scene.”
Speculation about how much longer Nelsen will play for Queens Park Rangers in England’s Premier League before the MLS kicks off in March is rife.
Vicelich says regardless of Nelsen’s final decision, sports fans in New Zealand owe the 35-year-old All Whites skipper a debt of gratitude.
“We really need to celebrate his career. He’s had a great career, so good on him,” Vicelich says.
“We have to respect his decision and wish him good luck. He’ll do well in his new role, just as he did well in his football career.”
There is also the small matter of two Oceania FIFA World Cup qualifiers still to play in March with the All Whites looking to book an intercontinental playoff spot with the fourth-placed team from CONCACAF in a home-and-away series in November.
Vicelich says the loss of Nelsen’s influence would be a major blow with the important matches looming and the FIFA World Cup in Brazil just 18 months away.
“I hope he can still play, the country will hope he can still play. We’ll just have to wait and see how the days roll out now and see the decision that comes from him.”
Vicelich also eased fans’ fears that he may join Nelsen on the sidelines should the former Blackburn Rovers and Tottenham Hotspur defender make All Whites retirement official.
He should know – Vicelich retired once previously before being lured back for the FIFA Confederations Cup in South Africa four years ago.
“I’ve retired once already so it will definitely happen again. But right now it’s just a game-by-game situation for me and I’m still enjoying it.
“Ryan has obviously put a lot of time and thought into the decision he’s going to make by moving to Toronto, so when the time is right for me, that decision can be made then,” he says.
Vicelich is in action with Auckland City on Sunday when the navy blues play Canterbury United in Christchurch, Nelsen’s home town, and the player known as ‘The Godfather’ cherishes one moment above all others.
“I’ve played alongside Ryan for a long time. My top memory was the final whistle against Bahrain. We were the first two to hug each other in that chaos. That bit of magic was something special.
“Ryan Nelsen has helped create sporting memories in New Zealand that will last forever. Hopefully he can do that in his coaching career as well,” Vicelich says.
Story courtesy of Auckland City FC.
For more on New Zealand Football visit www.nzfootball.co.nz

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