Damien Duff

Damien Duff is a midfielder, born on 2 March 1979 in Ballyboden, Ireland.

Damien emerged through the youth system at St. Kevin's Boys and graduated in 1996. He was offered to play professionally for Blackburn Rovers and the footballer did not hesitate to accept that offer. Duff signed his first contract and spent seven years with ‘The Riversiders’, immediately gaining the confidence of the head coach who was not afraid of letting the young Irish midfielder on the pitch both as a substitute and in the starting team. Damien got familiar with the club life really quickly, which helped him to take the place of one of the midfield pivots and amass 27 goals in 184 matches of Blackburn during seven years.

Chelsea took an interest in the footballer in 2003, when the revolutionary change of club’s strategy went forward at a steady gait. Damien Duff saw the beginning of the team’s new era, and his workmanship, pace and other qualities of a high-level player helped ‘The Blues’ to hold top positions in the Premier League. The midfielder made 81 appearances and went on to net 14 times during his three-year spell in the London side squad.

However, in 2006 it became clear that Damien was losing ground in the club and had to leave it. In the summer the same year, the footballer transferred to Newcastle United and spent three seasons in the new team as well. He took part in 69 matches and chipped in five goals, which was a bit more modest result than in Chelsea, but still a fine performance for the Irish footballer.

In 2009 Duff did not stop at what was accomplished and accepted the offer of London side Fulham, but had to wait for some time before he could officially join ‘The Cottagers’. Damien spent the 2009/2010 season in the regular squad, but he sometimes has to sit on the substitutes’ bench due to the head coach’s innovations in tactical placing. The midfielder made 167 appearances and fired 22 goals during five years in Fulham.

In the summer 2014 the 35-year old moved to an Australian side Melbourne City.

From 1998 Damien Duff was capped 100 times and contributed eight goals for the Republic of Ireland national team.