Melbourne Victory striker Archie Thompson may begrudgingly leave the club in a bid to play for Australia at next year's World Cup. Socceroos coach Pim Verbeek has made no secret of the fact that he prefers his national players playing in Europe and Thompson believes that if he is to increase his chances of becoming a required squad member, he may have to leave his beloved Melbourne.

"Pim loves his people to be over in Europe, which is disappointing," Thompson said.

"There are some good players here. That aspect is a bit of a shame and I'm loving my football here. But I'm desperate to be part of a World Cup team.

"I'll speak to Pim and see what he feels about where I am in the big picture of things and then see what I have to do. Obviously he's not a big fan of the A-League and he's made that pretty clear.

"I love Melbourne, I love the supporters and players and the club," Thompson added.

"It would have to be something special (to leave), but in saying that I want to be part of a World Cup team. Whatever I have to do, I have to do.

"I'm hoping whatever I need to do that the club and supporters and family would help me. I'm desperate to be part of it. Winning a grand final and championships is a big driving force, but being part of the Socceroos at the World Cup, I definitely want to be part of it."