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Socceroos coach Pim Verbeek has all but ended hopes of Mark Viduka making an international comeback, saying the striker has “made up his mind” on his playing career.
Viduka wasn’t included in Verbeek’s 24-man squad named on Thursday for the upcoming matches against the Netherlands and Oman, and Verbeek said it seems unlikely the former South Melbourne, Celtic, Leeds and Newcastle marksman would ever don a gold jersey in the future.
“I tried everything to get him to come to the June camp and then he made up his mind not to come and think about his future,” he said.
“And probably he has now made up his mind for the future. But again, never say never, in life.”
Viduka, who was released by Newcastle at the end of the 2008/09 English domestic season, released a statement through his agent last month confirming he had lost his desire to continue playing football.
Rumours have since circulated the former Middlesbrough forward would be linking up with the Melbourne Victory in the A-League or incoming club the Melbourne Heart.
But there has been no development on those stories and Perth Glory coach Dave Mitchell said at the time Viduka suggested he wasn’t interested in returning to Australia to play.
Viduka’s absence shouldn’t hamper Verbeek’s World Cup preparations however, given he has never played during the Dutchman’s time as Socceroos coach.
A mere two days in camp with the team before a World Cup qualifier in Brisbane while receiving treatment for an Achilles tendon injury was the extent of Verbeek’s experience with Viduka.
“I’ve just heard stories about him and I’ve met him a few times,” Verbeek said.
“I think he’s a great guy in the group, the players really like him but I don’t select a player because the players like him.”
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