Archie Thompson's tearful goodbye from Melbourne Victory and his insistence that the moments he treasured most were with the fans and the youngsters who support the club rather than the trophies he won  ensured his farewell press conference was an emotional affair, one laced with both joy and sadness, happiness and regret.

Thompson's 11 years in navy blue have certainly brought delight to fans of the best supported club in the land.

A prodigious goalscorer, an enthusiastic and infectious character, an irrepressible footballer capable of breathtaking audacity out on the pitch, Thompson deserves the accolade as the A-League's greatest player to date.

Three championships, two Victory medals, an A-League golden boot, more than a half century of Socceroo caps, 90 A-League goals, 224 appearances, an FFA Cup winners medal and a Marston medal for best afield in a Grand Final are the statistics that show what an amazing career Thompson has had in navy blue.

But the numbers are just that, impressive as they are. They don't convey the joi de vivre and sometimes childish enthusiasm Thompson brought to his work.

Not for nothing did he describe himself as the Benjamin Button of the A-League, hoping that the older he got the younger he would appear.

The most Peter Pan like of players, Thompson's highlight reel contains so many stand out moments that it is difficult to edit it down to a few.

But no-one who was at Etihad Stadium that night in 2007 when the mercurial striker scored five goals in Victory's 6-0 Grand Final demolition of Adelaide United will ever forget the experience as he struck time and again, linking up with Brazilian midfielder Fred in a display that showcased their partnership and Thompson's thrilling ability to find the target.

That was perhaps the stand out game of his long career with Victory.

But those who witnessed his performance in that first troubled season against Sydney FC in the first clash between the pair at the old Olympic Park will not forget that, either.

As Victory's inauguaral marquee signing the heat was on Thompson to deliver from the outset, and although it was a disappointing campaign Thompson's magic that day, when he scored a goal which saw him slaloming past the entire Sydney defence as though they were witches hats lightened the gloom. That 5-0 win was the highlight of that opening season.

Some have criticised Thompson of sometimes being too selfish on the pitch, but that is what top strikers have, a greed for goals and a selfish desire to be the main man. Season after season, time after time he delivered.

In his prime Thompson possessed lightning pace and ultra quick feet as well as an unerring instinct for goal.

He was probably at his best for Victory when paired with the big, fast striker partner Danny Allsop; Thompson's speed allowed him to play off the shoulder of the last defender and with current coach Kevin Muscat and Grant Brebner, along with Fred, pulling the strings in midfield Thompson's ability to beat the offside trap delivered so many goals for his side.

Even in his relative dotage he was still making a contribution. Last season in a championship winning team he was mainly used off the bench, but he still weighed in with 11 goals in 26 appearances in all competitions.

The role of the old NSL should not be forgotten in Thompson's career either. He got going at unfashionable Morwell, when Frank Arok gave him his chance with the Falcons, before securing a move to then glamour club Carlton.

After that his travels took him to Europe, where he played for several seasons in Belgium, before returning home at the start of the A-League.

His serious knee injury, sustained in the FFA Cup quarter final win over Adelaide last September, meant he was always going to be up against it this year, especially with a top club at his age.

He has, however, flagged a desire to continue playing, and no-one should hold that against him.

There will be those that say if he goes to another club for a season or two it will tarnish his status and image at Victory, but why should it?

Victory have called time on Thompson, not the other way around.

He wants to carry on playing, and if he feels that he can, and another club is prepared to offer him a deal, then he should feel free to take it and do the best he can.

We are all a long time dead, and that end comes to sportsmen quicker than most of us: if Thompson's self belief is such that he can continue to do a job elsewhere, then he should at least give it a go.

The market place will decide anyway. He can't play on unless someone wants him,  whether that is in the A-League, in a smaller Asian competition (where clubs may still be impressed with his scoring record and 54 Socceroos caps) or with an ambitious NPL club for whom he would surely be a fan magnet.

And even if he did return to AAMI Park in another team's colours, would it really diminish his status in the eyes of Victory fans?

It shouldn't after the joy, happiness and magical moments he has given them over a decade and more.

It's adieu from Victory, but not perhaps farewell from football for Thompson, who must now come to terms with the end of his Victory career. It leaves an enormous gap in his life, one he must fill in the best way he can - by playing on.