The Australian Socceroos’ Mark Viduka kicks the ball in the Australia v Japan match. AAP Image/Dave Hunt
Socceroos legend, Mark Viduka, hasn’t played football for a year, but apparently he hasn’t retired. With all due respect, Dukes, it’s time you tell us something.
Melbourne Heart continues to take the right steps with its signings, including the revelation of the worst kept secret in Australian football – the signing of Viduka’s good friend Josip Skoko.
The 34-year-old has been playing regularly in Croatia’s top flight in the past year, and his signing could help the Heart convince Viduka to go around one more time.
Viduka was paid tribute to on Monday night at the Johnny Warren Football Foundation gala dinner in Melbourne. There was little indication on his playing future: he is obviously still thinking about it, and waiting to see what might come up.
However, his hesitance and reluctance signifies something – either he does not know if he wants to play again, or he has lost his passion for the game.
Viduka undoubtedly loves the game, and how far it has come in Australia. However, if your questioning your desire to play, it probably means you don’t want to.
It’s time for the man himself to stand up and tell everyone, officially, he is retired, or better yet, he will certainly be at a club next year.
Enough fence sitting and guessing, Viduka needs to step up to the plate and tell us something.
Then, if retirement is his decision, we can treasure how good he has been at international and club level, rather than trying to predict his next move.
We don’t want half answers. We don’t want uncertainty.
Dukes, we want to know if your decorated career is over, or if you’re going to go around one last time?
Horza
Guest
Who cares?
Dejan Kalinic
Roar Guru
I agree with Axel. Hints are something and yes there have been plenty but they mean nothing unless he eventually comes out and says "Yes, I'm retired. I've loved my time..." Something..
Axel V
Guest
well that confirms absolutely nothing! :) rumours are circulating that he is on the verge of signing with Heart because of his mate Skoko just signing.
Art Sapphire
Guest
It probably does happen Towser but when its Kosmina or Arnold passing on their "specialist skills" to Australia's youth you can see why we've had problems in the past :)
Towser
Guest
Actually thats a very good thought. We constantly see old goalkeepers passing on their "specialist" skills to goalies. Why not old strikers/defenders /midfielders doing the same? Or does this happen & its passed me by?
Art Sapphire
Guest
Towser - he should be passing his knowledge and skills to the forwards of the future. Players like Kewell and Viduka are called "once in a generation players" because Australia does not produce enough of them. Hopefully, one day players of their ability will be quite common.
Towser
Guest
Dont know about coaching,but I agree Viduka should remain in the game in some capacity. Shame to lose somebody with his profile.
Art Sapphire
Guest
Dejan - what Viduka should be doing is coaching the Vidukas of the future. Players like Eli Babalj at Melbourne Heart. Socceroos need players of Vidukas ability to have any chance of succeeding at international level.
Joe FC
Guest
On Monday night's ONE HD footy show a brief clip of Dukes was shown in which he strongly hinted his playing days are over.
Dejan Kalinic
Roar Guru
Viduka hasn't played for a year and he says he hasn't retired. He has been "having a look" for at least three months. I'd love Viduka back - probably coaching at some youth level. But when you attend a "tribute" to the man and he hasn't retired, well, it's like giving a player a testimonial after five years at a club. a) I want to celebrate his career, b) I want to celebrate his return... instead we have c) he tells us nothing
Midfielder
Guest
Why does Dukes have to say what he is doing... he appears to be having a look to see if he wants to and is fit enough..
cbowden9000
Roar Rookie
Maybe Dukes will watch his good mate Skoko play and feel he wants to join in. If the season was already in, he could take up a guest player contract or whatever that new rule is this season where you can sign someone for 12 weeks
Dave Childs
Guest
Oh! come on! Why on earth should he tell US what his intentions are! We don't pay his bills and like anyone he has a right to his own destiny un-hindered He may and probably does have, all his plans mapped out and surely it is for him to say WHEN he will tell anyone including the meadia Give him a break.. Talk positive by all means and ask him to "come Back Dukes We need YOU" rather than be critical of why he hasn't told you his personal or football plans I wonder sometimes if the pressure the media place on sportsmen and woman is really valuable to their cause or detremental to their careers and lives I am sure he will tell us when he is ready too and without continuous promting from these columns