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 said, "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 World Cup qualifiers still to play in March with the All Whites needing one more win over New Caledonia or the Solomon Islands to book an intercontinental playoff spot with the fourth placed team from CONCACAF in a home and away series in November.
Vicelich said Nelsen's influence was difficult to lose 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.
"It's a big move but Ryan is the type of guy who can do well - everyone at Auckland City FC will wish him luck in that move," Vicelich said.
Vicelich also eased fans fears that he may join Nelsen on the side-lines should the former Blackburn Rovers and Tottenham Hotspur defender make All Whites retirement official.
He should know - Vicelich retired once previously before being hauled 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 FC, so when the time is right for me, that decision can be made then," he said.
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 in 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 said.
And after leading Auckland City to a 4-1 win over Waikato FC on Wednesday, Vicelich is still hungry for success.
"I'm just enjoying the start of 2013. Hopefully Auckland City and the All Whites can have some good results and we've got some big games coming up."
