The eventful 16-year professional career of Australian striker Mark Vidua is all but over, according to his closest confidante and former Socceroos team-mate Josip Skoko.
Hajduk Split midfielder Skoko, who quit the national team after the 2006 World Cup, talked with the 33-year-old ex-Celtic, Leeds, Middlesbrough and Newcastle striker "a few days ago" and is betting that the former talisman will not play again at club or national team level.
Skoko predicts that Viduka, who is currently in England, will instead take an extended holiday in the land of his parents and his wife, Croatia, before returning to settle in his hometown of Melbourne later this year.
"I spoke to Mark and he said he had one (Premier League) option in the UK and it was all boiling down to that. But I think if he was going to take that option I’d have heard by now," Skoko explained.
"The fact I haven't heard from him in the last 48 hours probably means he won't be going any further (with his career). It looks to me as though he has made a final decision.
"He’ll probably come and get some sun in Croatia now while it lasts, then return to live in Australia."
Skoko, who is considering extending his career in the A-League at the conclusion of the Croatian season, claims Viduka will not take that path.
"I think if he doesn't play in the Premiership, then the A-League won't appeal to him," Skoko said.
"It will be a case of if he’s finished with the Premier League (where Portsmouth and Fulham failed to tempt him after his exit from relegated Newcastle) then he’ll be finished with football full stop.
"That that would of course mean the national team also. He’s been making some hard decisions and it’s been a tough time for him."
Skoko, 33, though offered a slither of solace to those who won’t accept the Viduka era is over until the man himself steps out publicly and confirms his retirement to end lingering speculation of his availability for the 2010 World Cup.
"There is always an element of uncertainty with Mark," he added. "One day he feels one way, the next he feels different. He’s been brilliant for Australia but everything comes to an end.
"We’re both approaching our mid 30s (Viduka turns 34 in October and Skoko is 34 in December) and it’s now our time to retire."
The graceful Geelong-raised Skoko, who had spells in Belgium with Genk, Turkey with Genclerberligi and Wigan in England, is now in his second coming at Hajduk.
"Living and playing in Europe takes it out of you, and also your family, and you have to know when enough is enough," he explained.
"I’m coming closer to that point. I will definitely leave Hajduk at the end of my deal.
"After that, I am keeping the option open of maybe a year or so in the A-League, maybe with the new team Melbourne Heart if they are interested and if it’s good for both of us. Or maybe another club."
Skoko, who has made a fortune from business interests outside football, also plans to acquire his AFC coaching badges with a view to possibly eventually coaching at A-League level.
As for Viduka’s life post football, Skoko, whose friendship was forged with the ‘V-Bomber’ at the AIS when they were both teenagers, has no idea what route he will take.
"I’m sure he has a few things up his sleeve," Skoko said. "We’ve both spent 15 years or so overseas and you could say we’ve come full circle. I don‘t think you will see any regrets from either of us."
Just to muddy the waters a little, Viduka’s agent Steve Kutner is currently in America "on business", which might mean an MLS component to the Viduka saga.
End of the road for Viduka
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Re: End of the road for Viduka
probably the biggest joke of a comment ive heard all yearozzie owl wrote:Maybe Lucas Neill might join him, still has no club.
Re: End of the road for Viduka
Not the best way to end your career. Couldn't even go out on a high note.