The former Socceroos captian opens up about the revered Golden Generation, the nation’s return to the World Cup in 2006, the phenomenal Leeds side of the early 2000s and his relationship with likes of Harry Kewell, Lucas Neill and Graham Arnold.
The man known as “The V-Bomber”, now running a cafe in Zagreb, Croatia, shares stories of backstage drinks with Elton John, and nearly transferring to two major European giants, Manchester United and AC Milan.
Article For ESPN: EXCLUSIVE: Mark Viduka breaks his silence on Leeds, the Socceroos and Lucas Neill
ZAGREB, Croatia — Twenty minutes out of Croatia’s capital, nestled upon a hill called Sestine, sits a cafe called Non Plus Ultra, or “No Higher Point.”
It’s a busy establishment. The smell of coffee fills the air as businessmen, politicians and mother’s groups sit rugged up, chatting inside, underneath the heaters or braving it in the frosty conditions.
Behind the counter, a barista has a familiar look. Former Premier League star and Australian captain Mark Viduka spent his whole career in the spotlight, front and centre. Now, he seems worlds away. As his wife, Ivana, waits tables, Mark goes at a slower pace, which suits him down to the ground.
“It’s great to do something different,” Viduka tells ESPN in an exclusive interview. “You make a bad coffee, you throw it in the bin. I try and make the best coffee as I can, though. I think I’ve become pretty good at it.”
The man many Australians affectionately know as the V-Bomber now calls Croatia home, and the cafe is his focus. It’s a busy life, but surely there isn’t as much pressure to pour a good latte as there is to score a winner for the Socceroos?
Mark Viduka Interview Documentary for ESPN
Michael Cain: If there was a time you’d like to be transported back to in your career-when would it be?
Mark Viduka: There’s so many moments-everyone automatically says the 4 goals against Liverpool but kicking the ball in my backyard with my old man I’d say.
“I had a lot to get off my chest.”
Mark Viduka – post interview
