Following Melbourne Victory’s recent 1-nil loss to the Perth Glory, I was able to interview Danny Vukovic, and find out what he thought about coming back to Perth.
I also asked what he thought of Andy Keogh rejoining the Glory, considering Keogh was central to the club’s salary-cap dramas last season, as well as the controversial suspension that cost him a spot in the Beijing Olympics.
Giuffre: What’s it like coming back to Perth after everything that occurred last season?
Vukovic: Perth is a great city, I called it home for four years. Although I didn’t experience much success here and obviously with all that occurred last season wasn’t great, I still enjoyed my time at the club. Made some good memories and it’s a beautiful city.
Giuffre: In previous interviews you stated the reason you joined Melbourne Victory was because you wanted to be closer to home, but did everything that occur last season make it an easier decision to leave?
Vukovic: I was extremely upset with everything that occurred, as was everyone else part of the team. But that wasn’t the reason I left.
Having my first child, I wanted to be closer to family. My parents have visited me more in the four months I’ve been in Melbourne than they did while I was at the Glory for those four years.
Family is very important to me, I know people on social media were hammering me, but they just chose not hear the truth. The truth is I wanted to raise my family close as possible to home. The decision was an easy one to make.
Giuffre: What is your opinion on Andy Keogh rejoining the Glory, considering all that occurred last season?
Vukovic: It wasn’t Andy’s prerogative to balance the books. I personally think it’s a great signing for the club. He’s a winner, and he will make this team a better team. I think it’s a great decision by the club
Giuffre: What has been the proudest moment in your career?
Vukovic: Being a professional footballer has been a great achievement. I wanted it from a young age and to finally make it and play professional football is one thing I will continue to be grateful for. To be able to provide for my family while doing what I love.
Giuffre:Missing the Beijing Olympics due to suspension, how do you feel that affected your career?
Vukovic: It most certainly did. The affects of it all hit me while after it occurred. I didn’t realise how much it hurt ’til a year or two after. It definitely halted my progress.
I wish it didn’t happen, and I would’ve loved to have gone and represented my country. But I did what I did and had to deal with the consequences.
Giuffre: Lastly, what advice can you give to aspiring goalkeepers?
Vukovic: When I get asked this question I always refer to what my mentor John Crawley – who currently is the goalkeeping coach at Sydney FC – said, “Goalkeeping isn’t all about shot stopping and making saves.”
There’s so many different aspects you need to be good at in order to be a good top-level goalkeeper. It goes further from crossing the ball something so simple to good communication. Always be true to yourself, hard work pays off.
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