Sydney FC marquee Marc Janko passed up a chance to play against Brazil to return in time for A-League match against Melbourne City Marc Janko of Sydney FC reacts after a missed shot on goal during the round four A-League match between Sydney FC and the Central Coast Mariners at Allianz Stadium on November 2, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images) Source: Getty Images FEW footballers would pass up an opportunity to play against Brazil, but Marc Janko chose Sydney over the Selecao. Sydney FC's giant Austrian striker was supposed to play a friendly match for his national team against Brazil in Austria this morning, but Janko opted to return to his club early to prepare for Saturday's A-League fixture against Melbourne City. Janko was already in Austria where he helped his team to a 1-0 win over Russia, leaving them top of their European Championship qualifying group and unbeaten this year. Brazil beat Austria 2-1 in the friendly. He admits it was a tough decision to return early, but honouring his club commitments is his priority and he hopes the Sky Blues appreciate the gesture. "It was a tough decision to make because it's a once in a lifetime opportunity to play against Brazil, but I chose not to play this game to be ready for the game against Melbourne on the weekend," Janko said. Marc Janko of Sydney FC passed up a chance to play Brazil. I wanted to be fresh and in good shape and if I had played Brazil I would have played with huge jet lag and the risk of getting injured is very high. I didn't want to take that risk, so I decided to come back earlier and deny that big game because I want to please Sydney FC as well and I respect that I have a contract here. Janko, who was signed at the start of the season as part of Graham Arnold's revolution, has settled quickly into life in Sydney - both the city and at the club. It helps that he is part of a team that is unbeaten so far this season and has kept a clean sheet for four consecutive games. "I'm very happy with our performances so far," he said. The most important thing was to strengthen our defence when I got here because last year we let a huge amount of goals in against us. And defensive work starts with me as a front man, so it's always a lot of work, but I also respect that I have to participate in the defensive job as well. I already call Sydney home, so that means a lot. I'm feeling very happy in Sydney and I can already imagine staying a little bit longer. Originally published as Janko puts Sydney FC before Brazil