Pride convinces Viduka to remain a Socceroo

0 Comments | AFP, June, 2007

SINGAPORE (AFP) — Mark Viduka says the pride of wearing the Australian shirt was behind his last-minute decision to play in the Asian Cup, insisting there was no pressure from new club Newcastle to miss the tournament.

The 31-year-old, preparing with the Socceroos in Singapore ahead of their first match on July 8, shelved international retirement plans at the 11th hour because playing for his country meant too much.

"Initially I was in two minds. I didn't know whether to retire or not and I mentioned it to Arnie (coach Graham Arnold) and I said it looks like I will go that way," Viduka told Sydney's Daily Telegraph newspaper here.

"Then the next two days I had a good think about it and I just felt it meant too much for me to play for Australia and just to...