Viduka Situation Not What Sam Expected

Last Updated : 29-Jun-2007 by

When Sam Allardyce signed the striker from Middlesbrough, Viduka had made his mind he was set to retire for international football.

However, Viduka admitted he changed his mind about retiring because he still values playing for his beloved Australia. The former Celtic and Leeds United striker had a change of heart just days before coach Graham Arnold named his squad for the finals, despite the repercussions it could have on life at his new club.

The 31-year-old was expected back to Tyneside for training on July 2nd, but the tournament's conclusion is July 29. After which he is expected to take a holiday. NOT what Allardyce had hoped ... or expected.

Viduka: "It's a difficult situation.

"You have to weigh up everything. You have to have a good rest before you start up again. Obviously playing for Australia is very important for me otherwise I wouldn't be here.

"Moving to a new club you have to assert yourself there. Newcastle is a big club with some good strikers and good players and it would be an advantage to start off from the start with the pre-season with whole team.

"Playing at the Asian Cup for my club perspective is a disadvantage for myself, and not just for myself there are a few other players who are in a similar position.

"So there's a lot of things you have to weigh up. But in the end I think playing for Australia was too important for me to give that up.

"I haven't made a decision on the World Cup.

"I want to do as well as I can in this tournament for Australia and for the team and I think I'll have to make the decision later on as to what happens afterwards."