Former Socceroo Heads to the Premier League
Zeljko Kalac is an Australian goalkeeper who had a memorable start to his career in England. He’s well-known for playing with AC Milan and winning the Champions League in 2007. But before that, he had a wild experience in England.
Kalac played for Leicester City after doing well in Australia with Sydney United. He caught attention as a young player with the Socceroos. A standout game in South America helped him get noticed by clubs in the UK and opened the door to his career in Europe. Former Socceroo Seals Premier League Promotion.
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A Game That Changed Everything
Kalac looks back and remembers how one game with the Socceroos in Argentina changed his life.
“We played a match there, and even though we lost 2-0, I had a great game. That’s when everything really took off for me. I had offers from teams like Leeds and Celtic too, not just Leicester,” Kalac shared in an interview.
He admits he was young and nervous. Even though bigger clubs wanted him, he decided on Leicester after being encouraged by assistant coach Mick Hickman. Now, he thinks joining Leeds or Celtic might have been smarter. Still, playing for Leicester was a great experience.
“I was part of a fantastic team. We played at Wembley for a chance to move up to the Premier League, and I got to come on in the final match. We won!” he said. Former Socceroo Seals Premier League Promotion.
A Shocking Rise to the Premier League
Kalac’s only game for Leicester was the 1995/96 play-off final against Crystal Palace. With the game tied, the coach put him in for the penalty shootout. But things turned out differently.
“In training, I was great at saving penalties. I saved 12 or 13 while our main keeper hardly saved any,” he explained.
But just 30 seconds after Kalac came on, Leicester scored from a free-kick and won the game.
“When I stepped on the field, I watched the ball go in. We scored! I ran to celebrate and back to the goal, completely out of breath. I cleared one back pass, and then the whistle blew. It was unreal!” he remembered.
A Moment to Remember
Playing at Wembley is still one of Kalac’s favorite memories.
“I won’t forget that moment. The pitch felt bouncy, like a trampoline,” he said. “My parents were there, we won, and the celebration was wild. The trophy ceremony was amazing, and the drive back to Leicester was a party!
“For a young guy away from home, achieving something so huge was incredible.”
Though his time at Leicester was short, it kicked off his exciting journey in European football, which would lead him to success at AC Milan.
