Dadi in plea to take him back
Former striker is Down Under but dreams of Pittodrie
By Andrew Moir in Sydney
Published: 16/12/2008
FORMER Don Eugene Dadi today revealed he’s dreaming of a dramatic return to Pittodrie.
The powerful striker is currently starring in Australia’s A League with Perth Glory, but his heart still lies thousands of miles away back in the North-east of Scotland.
Dadi, now 35, was something of a cult hero during Ebbe Skovdahl’s turbulent time at the helm.
Now the Ivory Coast hitman is determined to fulfil his dream of playing for Aberdeen again and even phoned Jimmy Calderwood to let him know of his grand plan.
“I would love the chance to play for Aberdeen again, because that part of my career is incomplete,†said Dadi.
“If the opportunity arose to return, I wouldn’t need to think about it.
“I phoned Jimmy Calderwood a few years ago to let him know I wanted to come back, but at the time he was quite happy with his squad.
“But he knows I have the desire to wear the red shirt again, and I intend to phone him soon.
“I’m under contract with Perth until March, but our season ends in January so it would be possible for me to go back there on loan for the rest of the Scottish season.
“I want to come back to Australia again but the season doesn’t kick off again until later in the year, so I’d be free to move back to Scotland for a while, and it would be a real honour to be able to play at Pittodrie again.
“The spell I had with Aberdeen is one of the most enjoyable periods of my career because I was so well received by the fans and it would be fantastic to return.
“I have been lucky enough to have played for two clubs with fantastic European pedigrees – Aberdeen and Nottingham Forest – and I would relish the chance to return to Aberdeen.â€
Dadi reckons he could bolster Calderwood’s strikeforce and help further develop players like Lee Miller and Darren Mackie who have been spearheading the Reds attack.
Dadi, who joined Livingston after leaving Aberdeen, has special memories of his time in the north and will always be remembered for his stunning display when Skovdahl’s young charges beat Celtic 2-0 at home in December 2001.
Bobby Petta came off the bench for the Bhoys in that match and coincidentally Dadi’s Perth side face Petta’s Sydney side on Sunday.
Dadi added: “The Aberdeen squad was very young when I was there but we had a great spirit as we used to socialise together and that seemed to make a difference during matches.
“But the biggest thing for me was the fans who were just fantastic and I haven’t found the same sort of relationship with the supporters at any other club I’ve played for, so Aberdeen still holds a special place in my heart.
“The weather might not be as good as it is in Australia but I really miss the city and still have lots of friends there.
“And I’ll never forget that match against Celtic and coming up against my friend Bobo Balde.
“The games against the Old Firm were always special occasions and it was great to beat Celtic at Pittodrie.â€
Although Dadi hankers after a Dons return he feels settled in Perth even though he only arrived in May to add more firepower to Dave Mitchell’s side after a spell in Israel.
The big forward is now married to Joana and they have a two-year-old son, Paco. His family all love the Aussie lifestyle.
That’s why he has urged more former SPL players to give things a try Down Under.
“If my contract is extended with Perth or I got the chance to go somewhere else in Australia I would love to finish my career out here.
“I’m doing quite well, I have scored three goals in the last two games and I am only one goal behind the top scorer after scoring eight.
“It would be good to extend my stay in Australia especially as the standard is very good for such a new league.
“More and more players are trying it out here and the television coverage is huge, so it’s generating more publicity.
“The facilities are also impressive and I would urge anyone to give it a go.
“I had the chance to move to Australia a few years ago but couldn’t see myself so far away from Europe but now I wonder why I didn’t do it earlier.
“Things are going really well and I’d happily endorse Australia to anyone.â€