In a lush base, several of our clubs are in the same boat, each with its own exclusive training ground. In this city, we play in a moderate manner, and after the game, we return to the base, and this cycle constitutes our daily routine. Strict precautionary measures were enforced at the base, and despite the crucial importance of the competition, all activities followed a set pattern. At the end of a season, everything seems to fall into place.
"No plans to return to Europe for the time being."
Q: Do you have any plans to return home to continue your career?
A: Of course, I am firm on this decision. Zhejiang's promotion to the Chinese Super League made me miss out on a valuable opportunity, and that was a shame. The club has made it clear that they want long-term development and they are happy with the status quo, as am I. So I will stay in China next season. Therefore, I will stay in China next season.
Q: After the investment boom in the previous years, there is now a view that the Chinese soccer market is cooling down, is this true?
A (smiling): You noticed that, in fact, the big European stars are no longer flocking to China, they are no longer coming to China for gold. If they are still there, I probably won't be in China. Now, it's no secret that some Chinese clubs are really experiencing difficulties, so there will be restrictions on the introduction of foreign aid. But in Zhejiang team, I didn't have any unpleasant experience, everything was as usual, very nice.
Q: Many players and coaches have made the long journey back to Croatia from China, and there are even rumors that they are on their way back. Can you confirm your future?
A: Of course, never say never, but at the moment I'm not thinking about changing clubs or returning to Europe or the Croatian league. I'm on vacation and I'll be back in China in about a month and a half, I'm not sure exactly when I'll be back yet, the club will let me know then. Right now, I'm fully committed to the Zhejiang team and the preparations for the new Chinese Super League season.
"Regret not to have met Bilic. Misfortune befalls Myss."
Q: Your compatriot Samir played for Zhejiang, what does the club say about him?
A: Samir left a deep mark on Zhejiang, where people remember him as a great player and portray him in beautiful words.
Q: Did you meet any other Croatians in the country?
A: On my way back home I met Leko, we were on the same flight, but I didn't have the chance to meet Bilic. In China, I had met Ante Maestrovic, a Shanghai Harbour player, and I am deeply sorry for what happened to him. He recovered from a serious ligament injury and started training only to get injured again, same knee, same injury, he was really unlucky. I also wish him a speedy recovery and a quick return to play for his club.
Q: You have played in the Croatian league for Hajduk, Dinamo Zagreb and Rijeka, with Osijek the only one missing from the big four. Would you consider joining this club in the future?
A: Haha, some of my friends have already joked with me that I should join Osijek in the future because it is still missing in my resume. But for now, I would like to express that I don't plan to return to the Croatian league and I am waiting for news about returning to China. In the future, who knows where I will appear to play soccer again.
Q: Do you follow the Croatian league in China?
A: The Croatian top flight is now more interesting than ever and just as full of uncertainty.
Osijek is strong, Hajduk is on the rise and very competitive, Dinamo Zagreb is consistently good, and Rijeka is a club with a great organization that runs everything right and is a group of quality people creating a quality system, which is what gives Rijeka more continuity. Every year they have a few important players leave, but the club always finds quality replacements to fight for trophies again. I can't say that I've ventured into many soccer worlds, but in Belgium I feel that Rijeka is superior to local clubs in many ways, whether it's training conditions or club operations, including the quality of the game.
