Australia’s Mark Viduka with Soccer Australia President Frank Lowry after Australia defeated Uruguay during the 2006 FIFA World Cup Qualifier match at Telstra Stadium, Sydney, Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2005. Australia defated Uruguay in a penalty shoot out qualifying them for the World Cup in Germany. (AAP Image/Dean Lewins)
Fox Sports are claiming a world exclusive with Mark Viduka appearing on Fox Sports’ Hyundai Matchday Saturday. Despite the Matchday Saturday tag, this week the show airs on Friday night as a live Grand Final Preview Special.
They will, of course, also be showing the Hyundai A-League grand final live on Saturday.
Former Socceroos striker Mark Viduka has gone into something of an early retirement from professional football since last year. He walked away from lucrative offers in the EPL and other countries to take time out from the world game.
Mark is married to a lovely Croatian lady and has three sons. They all live happily ever after in Croatia.
But it looks like Mark is back in Melbourne to enjoy some time with his Australian family and maybe watch the Hyundai Golden Toilet Seat decider.
Viduka has remained silent about his future since quitting Newcastle United after they were relegated from the Barclays Premier League club last June, offering no explanation for his departure from the game and absence from Australia’s FIFA World Cup 2010 qualifying campaign.
But apparently Mark will reveal all on Friday night.
But what can Viduka tell us that we don’t already know or could have guessed for ourselves anyway:
* Why he walked away from the game of football
* Is he going to return to football now as a player, manager or mentor
* Will he sign for Melbourne Heart and join the A-League
* Will he re-enter the Socceroos camp as a player or trainer
* Who will win the A-League Grand Final
It’ll be interesting to see what he has to say.
ItsCalledFootball
Roar Guru
Viduka seemed to be genuinely interested in returning to Oz and playing in the A-League, but have to wait and see who wears the pants in his house and whether he heads back to Croatia with the cheese and kisses.
Cpaaa 2018
Guest
If he just gave one last season...just 1. Be it at the Melbourne Knights (raising the profile of state comp) or a HAL club as his farewell.... i would be a very happy camper. I just feel that hes not finished, there is plenty of time for relaxing. Dukes dosnt have to make a big commitment. A 4 game guest stint at the Knights is enough to test the water. After all, he is family at that club.
Ricky J
Guest
Well he has spoken, details here http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/soccer/former-socceroo-mark-viduka-considers-comeback-to-a-league/story-e6frey4r-1225843000039
jimbo
Guest
yes and still being talked about in pubs across the UK
Stevo
Guest
One of Australia's greatest players. I don't care if he never announces his retirement. I'll always remember the goals he scored against Liverpool while playing for Leeds. Truely a magic EPL moment!!
Ben of Phnom Penh
Guest
It is always good to hear the perspective of those that have been servants of the game at the highest level. We don't have to agree with the opinions offered but we should respect them. In that light I am looking forward to the interview (assuming it will make the Fox Sports web site and I don't get geo-blocked)
jimbo
Guest
Yeah, that would be worth seeing - wonder if he can score on the table as well. Slater and Bozza are former socceroos teammates of the Duke so the banter should be good and lively. I wonder how many times he will make Slater look stupid - which isn't that hard to do really. :)
AndyRoo
Roar Guru
It will be interesting, but this is Matchday Saturday so the big question will be can he beat Bozza and Slater at table soccer.
Hammer
Guest
Really the non comment and drifting around by Viduka fits nicely into the preception of him as a player ... too lazy to actually annouce his retirement
dasilva
Guest
Maybe Viduka will finally announced his retirement Hey I still live in hope.
Australian Football
Roar Guru
My bet is he is going to open a Croatian restaurant on the beach at Geelong with his personal football memorabilia hanging on the walls. With full size action shots of the Duke with the clubs he had played for and the Australian National Football team whilst in Germany's 2006 WC. What ever he does---it will be great to have the big fella living here permanently in Australia. Btw I hope he gives out the address of his new restaurant so one day I can book a table and have a discussion with him and his life experiences with my guest of honour Rebecca Wilson. Go you good thing Rebecca. -------- AF
Midfielder
Guest
That he will play in the state league... or maybe its a nice way to say good bye to football folk in Australia.