SYDNEY - One of Australia's highest profile indigenous athletes on Tuesday said he hopes to put a racism controversy behind him in announcing his return to Australian Rules football after being humbled by an outpouring of support.
Australian Rules football star and one of Australia's most high-profile indigenous sportsmen Adam Goodes arrives for training in Sydney on August 4, 2015
Adam Goodes had been on indefinite leave after persistent jeering of him this season recently reached a climax, which was condemned by some as racist.
There were fears the 35-year-old star, a former Australian of the Year, may call it quits but he turned up for training with the Sydney Swans Tuesday after missing a weekend fixture.
"The last week, there's been a lot of discussion. A lot of it I haven't read, but obviously been involved in before," Goodes said, referring to nationwide discussions about the booing.
"I'm really hoping those discussions are behind us now and we can all move on.
"For me, it's about going out there and playing football and whether this is my last year or not, I really want to be able to go out there and enjoy the last five games of the season and another finals campaign and see what happens."
Many believe the jeering stemmed from Goodes' reaction after being called an ape by a 13-year-old spectator at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in 2013. The abuse intensified after he performed an Aboriginal war dance during a match in May.
As the issue gained prominence in the media, Goodes stood aside to consider whether he wanted to carry on, but an outpouring of support from his club, high-profile figures and on social media convinced him to keep going.
"From all involved at the Sydney Swans, from other clubs and players from all levels of the game, from other codes, from the AFL, from so many in the community, the support has been amazing and it has been felt," he said.
"It has been a great reminder of why I am one of so many people that just love our game."
Australians had posted messages of support and photographs of themselves with Goodes' playing number 37 on Twitter, in a campaign backed by Australian Hollywood celebrities Cate Blanchett, Hugh Jackman and Hugo Weaving.
On Saturday, a season-high crowd of almost 40,000 people at the Sydney Cricket Ground raised their voices in unison to cheer the absent Goodes in an emotionally charged game between the Swans and the Adelaide Crows.
The stadium was dotted with Aboriginal flags and fans wearing the number 37, while others raised homemade signs including "Love Goodes, racism bad" and "Adam Goodes! We applaud & respect you".
Goodes is set to take the field again in Saturday's away clash with Geelong Cats.