Though he didn’t make a single appearance for Croatia national team he’s shared his impressions of the Mundial with Dynamo official web site.
- What was the most memorable at the World Cup in Brazil?
- First of all it was the football feast. Opening ceremony was spectacular. It was the first World Cup for me. There were exhausting long flights, but almost every team had to face this.
- Croatia played really well in two first fixtures. What happened in the game against Mexico?
- We really wanted to outplay Mexico. We were getting ready for the game properly, but didn’t manage to win. We have high profile performers, who feature for Real Madrid, Inter Milan, Bayern Munich and Barcelona, but Mexico won the decisive match deservedly.
- You criticized Niko Kovač for not letting Eduardo feature against Brazil. Do you think that wrong squad choice is the main reason for failures?
- Mario Mandžukić couldn’t take the field in that game due to suspension. I said that Eduardo could help the team. He was in his native country. Still Niko Kovač rendered another decision and we lost.
- Were there many Croatian fans supporting you in Brazil?
- Not really. There’s a great distance between two countries.
- You’ve decided to finish your international career though you are only 30…
- I could take part in one more qualifying campaign, but I decided to leave. I’ve thanked everyone for seven years of international career, for three big contests. I want to feature for my club. I’ve also thanked FC Dynamo Kyiv president Ihor Surkis for support.
- How did you spend your vacation after the World Cup?
- I had only ten days off. I was at the seaside in Croatia. After that I joined Dynamo at the second training camp. We must recondition by the Ukrainian Super Cup.
- Do you agree that Serhiy Rebrov differs from Dynamo previous coaches?
- Sure, Rebrov is a young coach. He has his own vision of football and great future. We all try to help him.
- You’ve disposed rumors as for your possible transfer. Do you have interesting offers?
- I have offers from Turkey, Germany, Greece, UAE, but my contract with Dynamo will be valid for one more year. I want to win the domestic title with the team. Anyway if I get some interesting offer I’ll analyze it. No matter what I must benefit Dynamo and my career first of all.
- You’ve been playing for Dynamo for more than six years already. How do you find motivation for self development?
- I won the Ukrainian Premier League only once – in 2009. I think that season was one of the best in my career. We flattened FC Spartak Moscow twice and reached the UEFA Cup semifinal. As for me, Dynamo main aims for the new season must be triumph in the UPL and qualification for the Champions League group stage.
Copyright © 2014 FC Dynamo Kyiv
* photo by V. Rasner