Former Premier League star Mark Viduka has revealed that his injury-hit spell at Newcastle United led to his retirement, after which he found a new passion running a coffee shop in Croatia.
Mark Viduka, who scored 92 Premier League goals for Leeds United, Middlesbrough, and Newcastle United, has opened up about his transition from footballing stardom to a quieter life running a coffee shop in Croatia.
The former Australian international revealed that his time at St James’ Park marked the end of his professional journey, admitting that the injuries and pressures of the game eventually took their toll on his physical and mental well-being.
Reflecting on his departure from the sport, Viduka noted that his stint with the Magpies was particularly challenging.
Despite his proven track record as a prolific goalscorer, his time on Tyneside was plagued by fitness issues that hindered his impact on the pitch.
“I scored 92 Premier League goals and Newcastle United ended my career,” Viduka stated, highlighting the finality of his tenure at the club before he decided to walk away from the spotlight.
Now far removed from the high-stakes world of professional football, Viduka finds fulfillment in the simplicity of his daily routine.
He has traded the roar of the stadium for the hum of an espresso machine, focusing on his family and his business interests abroad.
While he remains a respected figure in Premier League history, he expressed no desire to return to the dugout, preferring the peace he has found since hanging up his boots.