Former Australian striker Mark Viduka is perhaps most known for his goalscoring exploits during his time at Leeds, but an extract from "The Secret Footballer",a new book from a guardian columnist under that moniker explains that up in the North West of England, Viduka is remembered more for his response to an angry fan.
After Leeds United's financial crisis became apparent, Viduka moved to Middlesbrough where he was the highest earner on £60,000 a week but he had a mixed time. When they were good, Viduka was very good.But when things got bad, the fans turned on him. One such occasion - when Middlesbrough had lost and Viduka was taken off at half-time and roundly booed - Viduka was confronted by angry fans, as he went to leave the stadium after the game.
The ringleader of the angry fans says to Viduka "I pay your fucking wages, Viduka". The Australian looks him square in the eye and asks "You pay my wages?", "That's fucking right" says the ringleader. And with that Viduka extends his hand and says:
Fair play to you, mate. You must be one rich fucker.
It's still spoken about at the Riverside ever since.
