EDDY Bosnar has hit out over his treatment as a one-time Socceroo who was overlooked for international call-ups despite a successful career in Holland and Japan.
Bosnar started his career playing for Northern Spirit and Sydney United Australia, before moving onto Dinamo Zagreb, Sturm Graz and Everton FC.
But despite a promising start to his career - notching up two goals and two caps for his country, his international career stalled after he joined Heracles Almelo in Holland.
Earlier this year he moved over to Japan to play for relegation-threatened J-League side JEF United Chiba and has been a first team regular for the club since joining.
We caught up with the centreback this month after a practice training session.
How are you settling in at the club?
Great place to be, people very kind and friendly.
What are the differences [if any] from playing football in Australia Europe or in any other countries where you have played so far compared to playing football in Japan?
In Europe the games are a lot more physical, also the tactical side of the game in Europe is on a higher level Japanese players do know how to get in though!
What differences do you find culturally and socially from home living in in Japan?
It's a little like Australia, people work mostly 9-5 here in Japan Weekends are also the same with the family spending time together.
How do you manage being so far away from everything you know and love?
It has been hard sometimes, but I get home whenever I can, although recently it's been difficult because of my work schedule I have my partner here with me at the moment, and she's moving over with me in the new year.
This is not obviously a career that will last forever. Have you thought about what you will do afterwards? Will you stay in football say move into a manager's position or coaching, or even sports commentary?
I love football, everything about the game. I watch it all the time, so ideally I'd like to stay in the game in some capacity. I would think about coaching position in the future. I'm only 28 so still enjoying playing in the best league in Asia. And still have a good few years left playing at this level.
I've started a coaching clinic in Sydney with my brother which we are
currently developing. Commentary is not really something that I'd think about.
You have a physically demanding job. How do you stay fit?
The club has excellent facilities, there is a gym, swimming pool, I use these away from club training.
How do you feel that you have performed as a team overall this year are
you happy or could there be any improvements and if so in which area[/s]?
It started off very bad but it has improved a great deal. It's been a difficult season. I believe we should stay in the league especially if we win our last remaining games of the season.
What would you say the highlights and lowlights of your playing career would be so far in Japan?
Playing week to week in the best league in Asia is a highlight, nothing really considered as a lowlight as yet - but give me a few more months to answer this!
What is the best thing about playing soccer in Japan?
The fans and the stadiums.
What the worst thing about playing soccer in Japan?
None as yet.
What do you miss most from home?
My mother and my little brothers which are maybe bigger than me by now. I miss the local bowling club in Croydon.
Who [if anyone] has been an influence on your career?
This has to be my father, he has been a great influence on my playing career.
Any thoughts about returning home, or are you planning on
finishing your playing career in the J1 / J2 Leagues or elsewhere?
I don't know as yet, I would like a season or two back in Australia. But for now I'm enjoying playing in Japan, it's fantastic! Another three or four years here would be good.
Are their any possibilities of a call to the full Australian
international team?
That is now a closed book as far as I'm concerned! I've been overlooked when I shouldn't have been. They have not really treated me very well at all. It's rather a sore point with me. Of course I would like a chance to represent my country who wouldn't? It's the ultimate honour. As long as things stay as they are, there are not realistically any chances anytime soon.
Do you follow football news from home from the A League?
Yes, of course, I read FourFourTwo every day - it's a great internet site. There is always something different and new featured which is what I like.
Interview by Jan Andre Kallestad.
Photographs Copyright JEF United.
But despite a promising start to his career - notching up two goals and two caps for his country, his international career stalled after he joined Heracles Almelo in Holland.
Earlier this year he moved over to Japan to play for relegation-threatened J-League side JEF United Chiba and has been a first team regular for the club since joining.
We caught up with the centreback this month after a practice training session.
How are you settling in at the club?
Great place to be, people very kind and friendly.
What are the differences [if any] from playing football in Australia Europe or in any other countries where you have played so far compared to playing football in Japan?
In Europe the games are a lot more physical, also the tactical side of the game in Europe is on a higher level Japanese players do know how to get in though!
What differences do you find culturally and socially from home living in in Japan?
It's a little like Australia, people work mostly 9-5 here in Japan Weekends are also the same with the family spending time together.
How do you manage being so far away from everything you know and love?
It has been hard sometimes, but I get home whenever I can, although recently it's been difficult because of my work schedule I have my partner here with me at the moment, and she's moving over with me in the new year.
This is not obviously a career that will last forever. Have you thought about what you will do afterwards? Will you stay in football say move into a manager's position or coaching, or even sports commentary?
I love football, everything about the game. I watch it all the time, so ideally I'd like to stay in the game in some capacity. I would think about coaching position in the future. I'm only 28 so still enjoying playing in the best league in Asia. And still have a good few years left playing at this level.
I've started a coaching clinic in Sydney with my brother which we are
currently developing. Commentary is not really something that I'd think about.
You have a physically demanding job. How do you stay fit?
The club has excellent facilities, there is a gym, swimming pool, I use these away from club training.
How do you feel that you have performed as a team overall this year are
you happy or could there be any improvements and if so in which area[/s]?
It started off very bad but it has improved a great deal. It's been a difficult season. I believe we should stay in the league especially if we win our last remaining games of the season.
What would you say the highlights and lowlights of your playing career would be so far in Japan?
Playing week to week in the best league in Asia is a highlight, nothing really considered as a lowlight as yet - but give me a few more months to answer this!
What is the best thing about playing soccer in Japan?
The fans and the stadiums.
What the worst thing about playing soccer in Japan?
None as yet.
What do you miss most from home?
My mother and my little brothers which are maybe bigger than me by now. I miss the local bowling club in Croydon.
Who [if anyone] has been an influence on your career?
This has to be my father, he has been a great influence on my playing career.
Any thoughts about returning home, or are you planning on
finishing your playing career in the J1 / J2 Leagues or elsewhere?
I don't know as yet, I would like a season or two back in Australia. But for now I'm enjoying playing in Japan, it's fantastic! Another three or four years here would be good.
Are their any possibilities of a call to the full Australian
international team?
That is now a closed book as far as I'm concerned! I've been overlooked when I shouldn't have been. They have not really treated me very well at all. It's rather a sore point with me. Of course I would like a chance to represent my country who wouldn't? It's the ultimate honour. As long as things stay as they are, there are not realistically any chances anytime soon.
Do you follow football news from home from the A League?
Yes, of course, I read FourFourTwo every day - it's a great internet site. There is always something different and new featured which is what I like.
Interview by Jan Andre Kallestad.
Photographs Copyright JEF United.
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