He was a formidable striker who terrorised Premier League defences and is regarded as one of Australia's finest footballers ever - yet he now dedicates his time to running a coffee shop. During his playing career, Mark Viduka's statistics were impressive - netting 92 Premier League goals across 240 appearances for Leeds United, Middlesbrough FC and Newcastle United.


The former Celtic player wasn't merely a flash in the pan. He delivered numerous memorable displays, notably his stunning four-goal performance in Leeds' thrilling 4-3 victory over Liverpool in 2000. Viduka, now aged 50, also earned 43 caps for Australia and captained his nation during the 2006 World Cup, guiding them to a round of 16 elimination against eventual champions Italy.


However, by the close of 2009, he had retired from football, opting to walk away after enduring multiple injuries and growing weary of the constant pressure. As Viduka explained, he refused to become a "f***ing idiot" by outstaying his welcome.


Today, Viduka and his wife operate a humble café named Non Plus Ultra in Croatia. Nestled peacefully in the Zagreb hills, it caters to locals, visitors and the occasional celebrity patron. Among his regular customers is former tennis champion and Wimbledon winner Goran Ivanisevic.


The father of three was born in Melbourne, Australia, to a Ukrainian-Croat mother and Croatian father. Croatia icon Luka Modric happens to be his cousin.


These days, he's completely comfortable behind the cafe counter, telling ESPN: "It's great to do something different. 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."


He still sees himself as a laid-back Australian who prefers to keep a low profile. Viduka previously told the Daily Mail: "I wasn't obsessed with fame, at all. I didn't like it. I still don't. I wasn't obsessed with money, that came as a by-product. You've seen what football is like, a lot of dishonest people who try to shaft you. But I always tried to stay true to myself.



"Maybe that's why there is this negative perception, because I didn't conform. I was born and raised in Australia but my parents were Croatian.


"I have that Aussie tolerance but I also have my Croatian side, I'll stand my ground if I believe in something. It's about being honest with yourself.


"A lot of players suck up to fans, coaches, journalists, and everyone loves them. But what sort of people are they when you remove all the bulls**t? Are they good people or just playing the game?"

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