LIKE any new parent, Aaron Mooy’s life turned on its head five months ago when his first child was born. But the Melbourne City star had more reasons than most for moments of deep reflection.

Born Aaron Kuhlman, his Dutch mother changed his surname when she separated from his father when Mooy was a toddler.

After that Mooy saw his father just once — and then only briefly.

“I met him once to get him to sign forms for my Dutch passport, that was the only time,” Mooy said this week.

“It was just before I went to England, so I was maybe 14. It was very brief.

“Once I was in a shopping centre with some Western Sydney Wanderers boys and this kid came up to me and said, ‘Hi I’m a Kuhlman, we have the same dad and my mum’s got photos of you as a baby’.

“I was shocked, lost for words, really uncomfortable. I knew he’d had kids but no idea how many or age.

“I don’t think I’ll ever talk to him. Even as a kid I didn’t want to know him, I was always a bit disappointed, it was so long without him having any contact.

“Now that I’ve had a kid (Skylar) I understand how much I love my baby. It’s ridiculous already. For him to not want to see me, I don’t understand.

“I’m happy now. It’s in the past, I don’t want to think about it anymore, apart from when I had Skylar and realised it’s crazy.’’

Despite the family upheaval Mooy grew up in a loving household, with his courageous mum providing the backbone alongside a caring stepdad.

City and Socceroos fans may not have been treated to his wizardry had stepdad Alan Todd not come on the scene.

“Mum only told me she changed my name when I was older and then you actually realise more about what happened and why. I like my name,’’ he said.

“My (paternal) dad was born in Germany but mum wanted to get me a Dutch passport (her side). She wanted nothing to do with him.

“My stepdad I always used to think was my real dad and even to this day I still do. He’s been unbelievable, I love him like a real dad.

“My first memories are playing soccer for Carlingford Redbacks with my stepdad as the coach.’’

The shy, blond-haired toddler fell in love with the round ball and his parents nurtured that passion.

“I loved playing on a Saturday morning. Up early, you could always smell the cut grass,’’ Mooy said.

“I’d have to swap around and go in goals, I hated that.

“I watched football on TV and I just got mad about it, everything football. I used to go to the markets and get cards (Premier League), jerseys, I’d draw players.

“(David) Beckham was my favourite, whenever he was on TV I’d have to watch. I used to practice his free-kicks and pretend I was him.’’

It’s no coincidence that Mooy’s stellar form has continued since Skylar’s arrival last November as his wacky sleep patterns have been offset by a different outlook on life.

“I used to constantly think about football and if I had a bad game I’d think about it for days. Now I have the baby and it takes your mind off it,’’ he said.

“Football’s still a big part of me, it just opens you up about the world.

“I’ve started cooking a lot more. I don’t mind, I’m improving a lot.’’

Stopping short of claiming to be a super chef, Mooy claims to be serviceable in the kitchen.

“My missus likes my steak and coleslaw. My coleslaw’s not pure handmade, the cabbage will be ready to go but I’ll add stuff to it,’’ he said.

His worst dish? “I once served a steak blue, so before I sat down I had to go back and keep cooking. I learnt a lesson that day, it’s better to overcook it.’’

There’s no such inconsistencies on the pitch, with Mooy’s outstanding campaign netting him an A-League record 20 assists and 11 goals, leaving him favourite alongside teammate Bruno Fornaroli and Perth Glory combatant Diego Castro for the Johnny Warren medal.

***

MOOY declared that he will play Sunday’s game like it’s his last, with a Euro move imminent.

Melbourne City blocked a massive $2m offer from Saudi Arabia in January but Belgians Club Brugge are among the overseas clubs watching the midfielder.

“Until something’s on the table I won’t think like that. You never know. I’ll play like it’s my last game because I don’t know what’s going to happen,’’ Mooy said.

“We’ve worked hard all year to be part of the finals, it’s the most exciting part of the season. I can’t wait.

“It’s been a difficult two weeks but the big prize is still up for grabs and I believe we can do it.’’

Mooy is desperate for silverware with his three A-League seasons yielding two grand final defeats (at Western Sydney) and a semi-final loss with City.

“My only finals memories are losing, I want to win badly,’’ he said.

“Everyone’s going to be really up for it, if you’re not you’ll get beaten right away. It’ll come down to being ruthless in front of goal, taking your chances and the tactical side of it.

“Our team’s broken lots of records this year. A loss would be really disappointing, we were close to the Premier’s Plate a few weeks ago.’’