Damien Duff says that with hindsight he might have made the move to Australia earlier.
Melbourne City’s former Premier League-winning midfielder Damien Duff says he is enjoying his time in the A-League, so much so that he wishes he’d gone to Australia “a year or two earlier”.
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Duff played a starring role in City’s 1-1 draw with Sydney FC last Saturday in what was his first competitive game since suffering a knee injury while at Fulham in February.
The 35-year-old has spent most of his career at the top level at clubs such Chelsea, Fulham, Blackburn Rovers and Newcastle United, but says the A-League remains a big challenge for him.
“I enjoyed it very much, it was a long time coming [after] the longest pre-season known to man,” Duff told reporters.
“I’m glad to get it out of the way, from the team’s point of view it wasn’t a bad result, we played well in spells and it’s good to get an away point on the board. I feel good, I can get around the pitch and I did that.
“I knew it was going to be tough. Over here your fitness levels have to be through the roof. The quality of game impressed me and I have really enjoyed it.
“From a football point of view it’s great, It’s something I had to try, a different experience in life, great for my wife and kids, no complaints.
“I am here two or three months now and you could possibly say I wish I came here a year or two earlier. It’s an exciting challenge, it’s not going to be a holiday.
“Life is short and a football career is even shorter, this is a taste of something different, something new.”
Melbourne City take on the Newcastle Jets on Sunday in round two of the A-League.