BEYOND BORDERS

Aleksandar Duric

Description

Born in Bosnia in the former Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, Aleksandar Duric overcame a difficult childhood to become a junior canoeing champion. Against all odds, he made an unlikely appearance at the 1992 Olympic Games whilst the fires of the Bosnian War raged in his homeland, a war that had tragic consequences for the Duric family. A nomadic career in football followed, before Duric finally found his feet - and his home - in Singapore. It was in this Southeast Asian nation that Duric truly made his name, becoming an all-conquering force in Singapore's top domestic league and going on to represent the Singapore national team more than 50 times. Told in a refreshingly frank and honest manner, Beyond Borders is far more than a footballer's memoir. Duric's tale of tragedy and triumph, adversity and adventure, is as surprising as it is inspiring. "An inspirational read." Bryan Robson, former captain of England and Manchester United

Sujets

• Bosnia y Herzegovina
• Singapore
• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Singapour
• Bosnie-Herzégovine

Informations

• Publié par: Marshall Cavendish International
• Date de parution: 10 janvier 2016
• Nombre de lectures: 0
• EAN13: 9789814751452
• Langue: English

Extrait

Aleks has been a superb ambassador for Singaporean football. His professionalism is exemplary and to this day he remains a role model to all professional footballers for his discipline and dedication. Anyone with even a passing interest in Asian football must read this book.
Fandi Ahmad, icon of Singaporean football
A lovely guy and a true legend of Singaporean football. It was an honour to play in his testimonial match.
Robbie Fowler, Liverpool FC legend
Being the most modest of men, Aleksandar Duric will probably not appreciate me saying this. But his story is not a football story, or even a sporting story, it is a testament to the unbreakable human spirit.
Time and again, he faced the horrors of the inhumane and somehow clung to his humanity. Death and despair were a way of life growing up in a war-savaged country, but Aleks found the courage to carry a new nation s hopes on a borrowed canoe at the Olympics.
I defy anyone to read his harrowing tale without feeling a lump in the throat. Honest, poignant and even laugh-out-loud funny at times, Beyond Borders is one of the most uplifting autobiographies you ll ever read. And he s still fitter than most footballers half his age. Really. He s practically a saint with a six-pack. Alex is the real deal, a man of steel with a heart of gold. I ve never come across a more inspirational life story and nor will you.
Neil Humphreys, bestselling author and football writer
Twenty-four goals in 53 international appearances is some record for a man who didn t make his debut until he was 37. Aleks is a good guy and it was a pleasure to appear in his testimonial game.
Steve McManaman, former Liverpool FC and Real Madrid great
Duric did Singapore proud with his goalscoring feats on the football field. His industry and determination know no bounds and he was a perfect example for the younger players. Aleks is a man with a big heart. He has volunteered his services in many ways for the less fortunate. This book serves as a remarkable insight into the wonderful world of Aleksandar Duric.
Brian Richmond, veteran radio television personality
I met Aleks a few times during his playing days for the Singapore national team. I came to know a little bit of his colourful life story. However, it wasn t until I read his book that I realised what an incredible journey he s been through. An inspirational read for any sportsman or woman. Dedication and hard work took him to the top and kept him there for a long time.
Bryan Robson, former captain of England and Manchester United FC
Aleks Duric is a complete footballer. Crucial goals from him cost us at Tampines Rovers time and again, so I learned that if you want to win a football match, you have a much better chance with Duric in your team! I always wanted him at Tampines Rovers so despite his age when he left SAFFC (he was 39 then), I had no hesitation offering him a contract. He carried on playing for us as a true professional. He had tremendous leadership qualities to mould the team together, and he inspired the younger players through his style of play, commitment and determination to win. Aleks has served not only the S-League but all of Singaporean football. His professionalism over the years has been a big contribution to our national game.
Teo Hock Seng, Chairman, Tampines Rovers FC (2000-2015)
I have known Aleksandar since he moved to Singapore 16 years ago. Since day one he has never hesitated to give of himself to anyone in need, whether it s a friend, a charity, or even a stranger. Aleks is a great footballer, of course, but, more importantly, he s a caring human being.
Russel Wong, celebrity photographer

2016 Marshall Cavendish International (Asia) Private Limited
Cover photos by Russel Wong Designer: Benson Tan
Published by Marshall Cavendish Editions An imprint of Marshall Cavendish International 1 New Industrial Road, Singapore 536196
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National Library Board, Singapore Cataloguing-in-Publication Data
Names: Duric, Aleksandar, 1970- | Wray, Glenn. | Marshall Cavendish Editions, publisher.
Title: Aleksandar Duric : beyond borders / with Glenn Wray.
Description: Singapore : Marshall Cavendish Editions, 2016
Identifiers: OCN 930584314 | eISBN 978 981 4751 45 2
Subjects: LCSH: Duric, Aleksandar, 1970- | Soccer players-Singapore--Biography. | Immigrants-Singapore--Biography. | Bosnians-Singapore--Biography.
Classification: LCC GV942.7.D87 | DDC 796.334092--dc23
Printed in Singapore by Fabulous Printers Pte Ltd
In memory of my parents
CONTENTS
PROLOGUE
1. Boy From Bosnia
2. Finding My Feet
3. Canoe Champion
4. Army Days
5. Storms Of War
6. An Olympic Journey
7. Back To Reality
8. Tragedy Unfolds
9. Life Down Under
10. A New Home
11. A Painful Goodbye And New Arrivals
12. We, The Citizens Of Singapore
13. The End Draws Nigh
14. The State Of Singaporean Football
15. My Home Team
16. New Horizons
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
PROLOGUE

SATURDAY 15th NOVEMBER 2014, Jalan Besar Stadium, Singapore. I hear the inimitable sound of 7,500 excited football fans rumbling through the walls, the a nticipation of the kick-off to a big game growing. I m going through my familiar pre-game routine - adjusting my shin pads, tying my bootlaces. I turn and, for the very last time, lift my jersey from its hook and put it on. The nerves and emotions flood through my body. My last ever game, my goodbye.
There has been a lot written about me in the newspapers over the past couple of weeks, ever since I played my last game in Singapore s top professional league, the S-League, my home for 16 years. Boy from Bosnia. War refugee. Olympic canoeist. Record S-League goalscorer. National team hero. Adopted son of Singapore. My story has been everywhere. Tonight, in my testimonial game for the Singapore Legends versus Liverpool Legends, that story comes to an end.
It s nearly time to go out. The atmosphere in the dressing room is vibrant, positive. Our team consists of the greatest legends in Singapore s football history, and many old friends are playing together again for the first time in years. I try and absorb every last moment of the pre-match feeling, something I ll never have again. Tonight we play against a team of legends from Liverpool Football Club, one of the most famous teams on the planet. I ll be lining up against Ian Rush, Robbie Fowler, Dietmar Hamann, Jerzy Dudek, Steve McManaman. Players who have played in World Cups, who have won Champions League trophies. How did I get here?
We step into the tunnel. Everyone is smiling and laughing, looking forward to the friendly game against their heroes. Not me, not yet. My heart is beating a million miles per minute, I feel my eyes starting to water. This is it. I think of my three young children in the crowd, my wife, Natasha. I think of my brother Milan, who has flown from Bosnia to see me play football for the first time. I think of my parents, and wonder how they would feel if they were alive to see this.
I step on to the pitch for the last time. I look around, I see the stands full of Singaporean fans, the same fans who have supported me through my career here, the same people who welcomed me to their country and gave me a home. I close my eyes and take a deep breath. The fans break into a rendition of the fabled Liverpool anthem. The words feel apt: Walk on, walk on, with hope in your heart, and you ll never walk alone .
My name is Aleksandar Duric. This is my story.
CHAPTER ONE
BOY FROM BOSNIA
I WAS BORN on 12th August 1970 in Bosnia and Herzogovina, then part of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. We were a traditional Yugoslavian family. I was the second of two boys, my elder brother, Milan, arrived 18 months before me.
My father, Mladjen, was a rugged, simple man, with little education. He had a tough upbringing. I never met my grandparents on my father s side - his mother abandoned him when he was a young boy and his father died fighting in World War II.
My mother, Nada, was born in a town called Visoko near the Bosnian capital, Sarajevo. Her background was markedly different to my father s. Her family were kinder, more gentle people. They were also relatively wealthy for the time. They had a nice house, with a big farm and lots of livestock. I have vague memories of my grandfather on mum s side being a warm and generous person. He would put me on his knee and read me stories when I was a very small boy. My mum was smart too - she graduated from high school, which at the time was a big deal. Not many girls finished school in th