- Mark Viduka is considered one of Australia’s finest ever footballers
- Excelled in Croatia, Scotland and English Premier League
- ‘Dukes’ now runs a café along with his spouse in Zagreb, Croatia
Aussie soccer legend Mark Viduka is bucking the pattern with regards to his chosen line of labor put up his spectacular enjoying profession – and he could not be happier making coffees for a residing.
Viduka, 49, is likely one of the nation’s most adorned stars following a journey that noticed him play for the likes of Dinamo Zagreb in Croatia, Scottish giants Celtic, plus Leeds United, Middlesbrough and Newcastle United within the Premier League.
The striker additionally has 43 Socceroos caps to his identify, together with being appointed captain on the 2006 World Cup in Germany the place Australia misplaced to eventual champions Italy within the spherical of 16.
After hanging up his boots in 2009, the daddy of three boys – and ultimately relocated to Croatia and purchased a espresso store in Zagreb – the place, he jokes, ‘my missus does all of the work’.
To today, Viduka prides himself on being a laid-back Aussie who’s completely satisfied to remain out of the limelight.
‘I wasn’t obsessive about fame, in any respect. I didn’t prefer it. I nonetheless don’t. I wasn’t obsessive about cash, that got here as a by-product,’ he stated in a 2021 interview with the Every day Mail.
Aussie soccer legend Mark Viduka (pictured) is bucking the pattern with regards to post-retirement jobs – and he could not be happier within the espresso store he owns along with his spouse
Viduka, 49, is likely one of the nation’s most adorned stars following a journey which noticed him play for the likes of Dinamo Zagreb in Croatia, Scottish giants Celtic, plus Leeds United (pictured), Middlesbrough and Newcastle United within the Premier League
Viduka additionally captained the Socceroos on the 2006 World Cup, the place they misplaced to eventual champions Italy
‘You’ve seen what soccer is like, lots of dishonest individuals who attempt to shaft you. However I at all times tried to remain true to myself.
‘Possibly that’s why there may be this damaging notion, as a result of I didn’t conform. I used to be born and raised in Australia however my mother and father have been Croatian.
‘I’ve that Aussie tolerance however I even have my Croatian facet, I’ll stand my floor if I consider in one thing. It’s about being sincere with your self.
‘A whole lot of gamers suck as much as followers, coaches, journalists, and everybody loves them. However what kind of persons are they while you take away all of the bulls**t? Are they good folks or simply enjoying the sport?’
Former Wimbledon champion and Croatian sporting nice Goran Ivanisevic is among the many regulars at Viduka’s Non Plus Extremely cafe, which implies No Larger Level.
After 269 targets in his skilled profession, the highlights are countless, however Viduka is commonly drawn again to at least one sport – November of 2000, Leeds versus Liverpool at Elland Street.
Viduka scored all 4 targets for the house facet in a 4-3 thriller – and greater than 20 years later, it nonetheless surprised by the consequence.
‘I didn’t play that effectively. Some dangerous touches, poor hold-up play, that stays in your thoughts,’ he recalled.
Former Wimbledon champion Goran Ivanisevic is a daily at Viduka’s espresso store in Zagreb
After Leeds, Viduka went on to have spells at Middlesbrough (pictured) and their rivals Newcastle United within the Premier League
‘I had 4 photographs that day, scored 4 targets. How typically does that occur?’
‘Dukes’, who shot to fame as a teen with Melbourne Knights within the now defunct Nationwide Soccer League (NSL) in Australia, can be fortunately retired.
‘Everybody has their time. I’ve had mine. I’m wonderful with that. I benefit from the peace,’ he stated.
‘I’m completely satisfied to be nameless now.’
