D ALEKS URIC For ReviewA only ND ALEKSANDAR A R BEYOND BORDERS DURIC WITH GLENN WRAY BEYOND BORDERS THIS IS THE INCREDIBLE STORY OF “An inspirational read.” ALEKSANDAR DURIC Bryan Robson Former captain of England Born in Bosnia in the former Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, and Manchester United 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. “A gripping account of hardship, heart and hustle with almost no connection to the glamour and glory that fans associate with the modern-day game.” Steve Dawson, presenter, Fox Sports Asia Marshall Cavendish BIOGRAPHY/SPORT Editions ISBN 978-981-4751-05-6 ,!7IJ8B4-hfbafg! For Review only “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 For Review only “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 ALEKSANDAR 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 DURIC WITH GLENN WRAY team. I came to know a little bit of his colourful life story. However, it wasn’t BEYOND until I read his book that I realised what an incredible journey he’s been BORDERS 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 For Review only © 2016 Marshall Cavendish International (Asia) Private Limited Reprinted 2016 Cover photos by Russel Wong Designer: Benson Tan Published by Marshall Cavendish Editions In memory of my parents An imprint of Marshall Cavendish International 1 New Industrial Road, Singapore 536196 All rights reserved No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior permission of the copyright owner. Requests for permission should be addressed to the Publisher, Marshall Cavendish International (Asia) Private Limited, 1 New Industrial Road, Singapore 536196. Tel: (65) 6213 9300, fax: (65) 6285 4871. E-mail: [email protected]. Website: www.marshallcavendish.com/genref The publisher makes no representation or warranties with respect to the contents of this book, and specifically disclaims any implied warranties or merchantability or fitness for any particular purpose, and shall in no event be liable for any loss of profit or any other commercial damage, including but not limited to special, incidental, consequential, or other damages. Other Marshall Cavendish Offices: Marshall Cavendish Corporation. 99 White Plains Road, Tarrytown NY 10591-9001, USA • Marshall Cavendish International (Thailand) Co Ltd. 253 Asoke, 12th Flr, Sukhumvit 21 Road, Klongtoey Nua, Wattana, Bangkok 10110, Thailand • Marshall Cavendish (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, Times Subang, Lot 46, Subang Hi-Tech Industrial Park, Batu Tiga, 40000 Shah Alam, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia. Marshall Cavendish is a trademark of Times Publishing Limited 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 | ISBN 978-981-4751-05-6 (paperback) 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 Markono Print Media Pte Ltd For Review only Contents prologue 09 1. Boy From Bosnia 11 2. Finding My Feet 26 3. Canoe Champion 43 4. Army Days 56 5. Storms Of War 73 6. An Olympic Journey 92 7. Back To Reality 114 8. Tragedy Unfolds 130 9. Life Down Under 145 10. A New Home 162 11. A Painful Goodbye And New Arrivals 177 12. We, The Citizens Of Singapore 193 13. The End Draws Nigh 211 14. The State Of Singaporean Football 219 15. My Home Team 231 16. New Horizons 241 about the author 247 career highlights 248 For Review only 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 anticipation 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 10 | aleksandar duric: Beyond Borders For Review only 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 CHAPTER ONE won Champions League trophies. How did I get here? We step into the tunnel.