Damien Duff is loving life in sunny Australia.
So much so in fact he wishes he’d have come here a few years earlier.
“It was a no brainer in the end,” Duff said on his move Down Under.
“I’ve been here two-three months now and you could possibly say I wish I came here a year or two earlier.”
And why wouldn’t the two-time English Premier League winner embrace life in Australia?
The 100 times capped Irish international strung together a man-of-the-match performance during his A-League debut on Saturday night, providing the assist for David Villa’s 64th minute equaliser.
The former Chelsea star completed 90 minutes in last week’s opening round draw against Sydney FC – his first competitive fixture since Fulham’s FA Cup tie against Sheffield United in February.
“I enjoyed it very much, it was a long time coming. It’s the longest pre-season known to man so I’m just glad really to get it (first game) out of the way,” he said.
“Sydney obviously turned us over in the Cup a couple months ago so, I think we played well and deserved more out of the game on Saturday.”
The occasion also marks Duff’s return since a serious knee injury in February which prematurely ended his 2013-14 season.
Walking off the pitch unscathed, Duff conceded he’s body held up better than he initially expected.
“From a fitness point of view I was surprised that I did feel so good,” he said
“I think it was early February my last competitive game, obviously had a bad enough injury since then but all is good, no complaints.
“It’s the best I’ve felt in a long time. I think I’ve been spoiled here with the training, the gaffer and the coaches they put on great sessions everyday.”
The 35-year-old departed Craven Cottage at the conclusion of the 2013-14 Premier League season following 18 years in the English top flight which saw him claim back-to-back titles with Chelsea.
However, enduring a relegation battle during his final season in England, the Irishman expressed his desires to leave Fulham, later joining Melbourne as a free agent.
“Life is short and a football career is even shorter,” he said on his contemplating a move to Australia.
“I suppose its just the taste of something different, something new and I’ve enjoyed my time so far.
“Its an exciting challenge. It’s not going to be a holiday, I know that, it’s a tough league.
“I’m not getting any younger. I’m 35 so maybe a year or two earlier would have been nice. I’m going to embrace the season and enjoy it.”
Unfortunately A-League fans won’t have the pleasure of seeing Duff in action past the 2014-15 campaign when his current contract expires.
The winger revealed his intentions of a move back ‘home’, citing family reason’s behind his imminent departure.
“Just one year,” he said.
“The plan was always to do one year here and go home and get the kids started in school there so I said I’m going to embrace it while I’m here and hopefully do the business.”
Duff will next take to the field on Sunday afternoon as Melbourne City host Newcastle Jets at AAMI Park. Kick off is scheduled for 3:00pm.