The football journey of Mario Karlovic is a fascinating story, born in Adelaide Mario started his career with local NSL side Adelaide City Force back in 2000. After representing his country in the u/17 Joey’s team a move to Europe was immanent for young Mario. Karlovic moved to Italy with then serie B side AS Cittadella, after a positive start in Italy Mario caught the eye of giants AC Milan. Although no move eventuated the rest of his career is very interesting, after a quick spell back home with the Brisbane Roar Mario then moved to Indonesia. The move turned out to be a successful one and Mario is enjoying every minute of it.
1. Your professional career started in Italy with AS Citadela how did that move exactly come about?.
I was playing for Adelaide City Force in the old NSL, during this time was invited to train with AS Cittadella in Italy who were playing in Serie B at the time. I flew over to Italy to attend a 2 week trial, which was very successful. Following the trial they made an offer for me, however this was rejected by Adelaide City. Further offers were made and a deal was eventually agreed a year later and then I made the move to AS Cittadella.
2. Looking back was it the right move for you?.
Definitely, 100%! This move formed my playing career. The move to Italy where the standard of football is much better, came at a perfect time to improve my ability and knowledge of the game against stronger and better players. AS Cittadella was also known as a family club and they welcomed me in like son and i settled in straight away which was great for me especially as i had just moved so far from home.
3. There were rumours floating about that AC Milan were interested in you are those rumours accurate?.
This is correct. Franco Baresi saw a DVD of me and invited me to join AC Milan in the US for a tournament. However the timing was all wrong as I had recently sustained a broken foot whilst playing and was out injured. To my disappointment this chance came and went and they looked elsewhere and found someone else. This was me learning the harsh realities of football so early in my career, but it gave me great confidence that teams of this stature were looking at me.
4. You then moved onto Torino and other Italian clubs for more game time, Italy seems a tough country crack for Aussies?.
The style of football in Italy is very different to most other nations where tactics and defence is sometimes seen as the basis of their game. Whereas us Australians like to play an open, expansive game creating chances and excitement for the fans watching.
5. In the wake of all the match fixing scandals in world sport not just in football, Italy has often been accused of match fixing did you encounter any of that whilst you were there?.
Sadly enough yes. This was the ugly side of football and made me feel sick that some of my fellow professionals would agree to this just to earn some extra cash. I used to think where was the love of the game we all grew up on!
6. You then moved back home to play for the Roar and looked good but didn’t earn a permanent deal, was that a disappointment or was it always going to be a short stay in Brisbane?.
I moved back and was unfit as I hadn’t trained for a while due to an injury. I knew I had knuckle down and work hard to get my fitness levels back up. I was brought in by Frank Farina who offered me a short term deal with a view to a longer contract. unfortunately things didn’t work out and he was replaced during my initial period and the new coach didn’t see me in his plans so then i needed to look again at other options. Not one of my best times during my career at that point.
7. What were your impressions of the A – League then and what are your views on the competition now?.
My first impressions of the A-League was it was a lot more physical than the old NSL. Looking at the league now as an outsider I feel it’s developed so much, offering young players great opportunities to move overseas and fulfil their dreams that I once had. If you look at the league now it’s crazy to think we can attract world class players such as Alessandro Del Piero and Emile Heskey on full time time contracts, and not just exhibition contracts.
8. If the right offer came up would you consider returning home?.
Of course why not. As much as I love playing here in Indonesia for Persebaya, Australia is my home and the opportunity to play there again and showcase my abilities is something I still have ambitions for.
9. Onto your time in Indonesia you’ve been there for 2 years now you must be enjoying life there?.
Initially it was tough, however during my second year I was signed by the champions of the LPI, Persebaya FC. I got the opportunity to move to the wonderful city of Surabaya with my wife and newly born son at the time. I was signed on a three year deal which is rare here in Indonesia, but showed that the club thought very highly of me to commit to such a contract. So far during my time here I’ve been fortunate to play against teams like Inter Milan (Italy) and Queens Park Rangers (England). I have also be invited to play alongside Cesc Fabregas of Spain during a Fabregas and friends exhibition game.
10. Describe what Indonesian football is like?.
Very quick, there are many players who like to run with the ball. Tactically they are still developing their skills but in the two years I have been here I have seen a massive improvement in this area. Their passion for the game is unreal, it rivals the best leagues in the world.
11. There has been stories of players not getting paid what is agreed by their contracts have you had any cases of this or heard of any?.
I have read these stories like everyone else. If I was to talk about one case where it did shock me was when a player from South America was not being paid and was living in poor conditions. Unfortunately he passed away and I think this could have perhaps resulted in him not being paid as per his agreed contract. How many other cases like this or not so serious, not only just here in Indonesia but around the world has happened to, that no one gets to hear about. For us footballers this is our job just like someone working in an office or any other industry, if we do our job we should get paid for it.
12. Would you recommend Indonesia as a place for fellow Aussies footballers to ply their trade?.
It would depend on where they are in their careers. Maybe at the end looking to prolong their careers. It could also be a place to get regular football if your not back home.
13. Lets talk about life outside of football, whats it like to live in Indonesia ?. I bet you’ve seen some interesting things.
Living in Surabaya where I am is beautiful. It’s the second largest city in Indonesia behind Jakarta and is developing day by day attracting many new faces from all over the world. Driving is very interesting here, you’ve got to be looking left, right, in front and behind all at the same time. You could have around 20 scooters surrounding you which have literally come out of no where.
14. In a dominant Muslism country does that provide any challenges for you?.
Yeah, i really miss the good old Aussie bacon and egg breaky! As it’s very hard to come by here. Seriously though I don’t find it too challenging as the local people don’t pressurise me about their beliefs and respect me just as I respect them about their beliefs.
15. Indonesians are said to have negative view on Australians have you had any negative experiences?.
No I’ve never had any issues since I’ve lived here. They have welcomed me into their country and cultures with no problems.
16. What does the future hold for Mario Karlovic?.
Who knows, onwards and upwards, maybe we could do this again in 12 months and see where I am then 
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insdietheboxFC would like thank Mario for taking the time to answer our questions.
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