How Vukovic beat adversity to fulfil his childhood dream

Socceroos goalkeeper Danny Vukovic is hopeful of extending his dream stint with KRC Genk after the Belgian club opened talks on his future.

Danny Vukovic

Danny Vukovic celebrates a Genk victory in the Europa League Source: AFP

Vukovic, who moved to Belgium last year after helping Sydney FC win the 2016-2017 A-League championship, has established himself as the ambitious club’s first-choice goalkeeper.

Genk are leading the Pro League and well placed to reach the knockout phase of the UEFA Europa League.

Vukovic has played a key role in Genk’s success to date and is in talks with the club over his future post July.

Vukovic signed a two-year contract with Genk that expires in July and the club holds a further two-year option.

While underlining the fact that nothing is certain, Vukovic said he felt appreciated by Genk and would love nothing more than to keep playing for a club that, despite a limited budget, is leading the domestic competition ahead of traditional giants Brugge and Anderlecht.

“We have spoken already about the future and I hope to have things settled soon,” he said on his return from Istanbul where Genk defeated Besiktas 4-2 in a UEL group match.

“They have me locked in for four years but after the first two years they can decide to continue or part ways so nothing is certain.

“I’ve really enjoyed my time In Belgium and would like to continue here for the next few years. Maybe I’ll even get to play Champions League football next season if all goes well.”

Vukovic, who was Central Coast Mariners goalkeeper in the first A-League in 2005-2006, is living his dream in Belgium and basking in the glory of the finest moment of his career.

He is now part of the national team’s squad and were it not for the brilliance of his old friend Mat Ryan he would be the Socceroos’ regular goalkeeper.

“Yes, it is definitely my golden period,” he said.

“I stop and think sometimes how great things have turned out. I’m living my dream now and doing everything I’ve ever wanted in my football career. Playing in Europe, playing for my country, Europa League, World Cup … if someone had said to me three years ago I’d do all that I wouldn’t have believed them.”

Yet success did not come easy for Vukovic.

He admitted he started his Belgian campaign shakily but hard work and perseverance enabled him to hit his straps and, more importantly, gain the confidence of his team mates who might have seen him as an unknown factor when he was thrown in at the deep end at the start of last season.

“The biggest challenge was just adapting to football over here which is different to that of back home,” he said.

“Wet and soggy pitches, miserable weather in winter, higher level of football … I guess it’s just realising that I’m here because I deserve to be. I had a bit of a shaky start but am now playing at a level I’m very happy with and just want to continue being consistent with my performances.

“It probably took me quite a few games to show that my team mates could rely on me. As I said, I had a shaky start with a few errors in my first few games but I just continued working hard, knowing that the good performances would follow.”

Vukovic has had his fair share of difficult times on and off the field but these experiences have taught him to be positive and determined to beat all adversity that life can thrown at you.

After being sent off in a grand final and missing the Olympics through suspension, transfers abroad that turned into nightmares, a serious illness to his young son Harley (who is now doing very well) and a slow start at Genk,  Vukovic is now savouring the satisfaction and joy of being at the peak of his career.

“I definitely owe a lot to my previous coaches, especially John Crawley and Graham Arnold from my time at Sydney FC,” he said.

“But overcoming my slow start in Belgium was more down to experience I think. I always worked hard on my game and always wanted to improve.  I’ve gone through some tough times, both in life and football. I’ve always come out the other side. No doubt I’ll go through more difficult times, you just need to keep going and work your way out.”


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4 min read
Published 28 October 2018 11:52am
Updated 28 October 2018 12:36pm
By Philip Micallef

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