Mark Viduka recalls Leeds anger after sale attempt, now runs Zagreb cafe | OneFootball

Mark Viduka has reflected on the most turbulent spell of his Leeds United career, saying he was furious when the club tried to sell him.

“That was spite,” “I was angry. The club wanted to sell me, they needed the money. But I took that very badly, you know?” He told The Times.

The Australian recalled joining in 2000, then clashing with Terry Venables in 2002/03 as senior team-mates departed.

Dropped to the reserves while the club sought a fee, he returned to score 14 in the final 10 games and help keep Leeds up.

“And at that moment, if Jesus came down to me, and said, ‘Come on, man, what are you doing?’ I’d say, ‘Look, I love you, good bloke, what you’ve done for us and all that, but don’t get involved, mate. Stay out of it.’”

Viduka scored 59 goals in 130 league games and left for Middlesbrough after relegation in 2004. “I watch Leeds games. My boys watch every Leeds game. I’m happy Leeds are back in the Premier League,” he said.

He retired in 2009 and now runs the Non Plus Ultra cafe in Zagreb. “We’ve been here for ten years now. Croatia’s a beautiful place. Good lifestyle, safe, a great place to live…Especially if you’re not involved in football.”

Source: Leeds Live