One of these days, the fourth President of Croatia (2015-2020) Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović came to Kyiv with a friendly visit. She came to support Ukrainian people in the war against murderous russian aggressor.
By the way, the famous guest is a passionate football fan. She attended Croatia matches at two previous World Cups by going to a regular fans’ stand. Since 1981, Grabar-Kitarović is a member of Dinamo Zagreb fan-club.
After the charity match between Dinamo Zagreb and Dynamo Kyiv, that took place on April 28 2022, former President got interested in our club.
Grabar-Kitarović really liked our team and the atmosphere at the stadium. So, upon arriving to Ukraine, she visited the training ground of our club in Vita-Lytovska as the White-Blues were getting ready for the game against Vorskla there.
Our guest of honor was greeted by Dynamo press officer Andriy Shakhov and manager Anatoliy Vovk. First of all, she asked how Mircea Lucescu is doing, who had a surgery on Monday.
Then Grabar-Kitarović told about being good friends with three former players of Zagreb and Kyiv sides – Ognjen Vukojevic, Domagoj Vida and Josip Pivaric. Having seen a photo of the latter one, she decided to have her picture taken next to it. It should be mentioned that our club arranged an excursion for her.
Kolinda liked the White-Blues’ new gym that was opened just a couple of months ago. By the way, the team was having a warm-up there when she came.
On the training field, Grabar-Kitarović met Dynamo coaching staff – Olexandr Shovkovskyi, Emil Caras and Oleh Husiev. First of all, they thanked her for support of Ukraine in the war against russia.
“We all appreciate that you’ve paid so much attention to Ukraine, Kyiv and our team. We are incredibly GRATEDUL to you for the support of Ukrainian people! We’re happy to see you at our training ground and want you to meet the team”, – said Dynamo caretaker manager Olexandr Shovkovskyi after which presented the President with Dynamo jersey!
Hryhoriy Surkis came with a bouquet of 55 roses for Kolinda to congratulate her on her birthday she celebrated on April 29. Kolinda said that after such warm welcome she would be cheering for Dynamo even more and will be waiting for a visit of our team to Croatia.
“Thank you for your help in battle against our common enemy. We’re happy to welcome you at our training ground. I hope that the common Victory will be achieved soon”, – said Hryhoriy Surkis.
“It’s a great honor for me to be here. Dynamo Kyiv and Dinamo Zagreb are football flagships of our countries. Ukraine has always been in my heart, especially throughout these challenging times. I wish you and all Ukrainian people Victory and Peace!”, – said Grabar-Kitarović.
Kolinda also brought a present for our team which goes straight to the club museum – the hat with inscription “nema prodeje” that means “don’t give up” in Croatian: “I want to give you this souvenir that says “don’t give up”. I wear one myself and want to give the second one to you! It’s blue with yellow inscription in honor of Ukraine”. The whole team started applauding after these words.
Hvala na podršci, gospođo Kolinda!
