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Dani Olmo on Croatia: "Their competitive genes stayed with me"

The Spanish international came through the youth ranks at Dinamo Zagreb from the age of 16 to 21.
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Sat, 15/06/2024 - 11:41

 

With Dani Olmo, there is no need for interpreters for Spain's EURO opener in Germany. As a player with RB Leipzig for the past four seasons, Olmo has mastered German and speaks fluent Croatian, having spent his formative years as a footballer in the Balkans.

"I was able to learn a lot of things during my five years there, but what has stayed with me forever is the competitive spirit they have, which is why they are so dangerous," explains the Spain international, who faces the Croatian side for the third time in his career this Saturday.

Among his greatest memories are the last 16 of Euro 2020 (played three years ago due to the Covid pandemic), which Olmo recalls as a learning experience as well as a source of pride "because we never gave up, we went for the game in extra time and on a personal level because of my two assists".

A team-mate and friend of several Balkan players, especially left-back Joško Gvardiol, Dani sends a final message in perfect Croatian to Spain's current opponents: "I wish you all the best at the European Championships, except for this Saturday," he announces with a smile on his face.