A few months ago, few Aston Villa supporters were familiar with HSK Zrinjski Mostar, but mentioning the Bosnian team’s most well-known former player was guaranteed to get their attention.
Fortunately for Villa, Luka Modric won’t be playing for the Zrinjski team that visits Villa Park on Thursday for their Europa Conference League group-stage match, but the Real Madrid star is aware of the significance of his loan stint with the Bosnian club in helping him reach the top of the game.
Modric, now 38, can lay claim to being one of the best European players of all time with his 28 championships, 168 appearances for Croatia, and 10 individual honors, including the 2018 Ballon d’Or.
Even the finest players require a break now and then, and Modric got one with Zrinjski, where he made his professional debut as a 17-year-old during the 2003–04 season. He was obviously named player of the year.
According to Modric, “If you can play in the Bosnian league, you can play anywhere.” It was wonderful to visit there.
On Thursday, Aston Villa will play HSK Zrinjski Mostar, a team that Luka Modric formerly played for.
Legia Warsaw defeated Unai Emery’s team 3-2 in their debut encounter of the European competition.
They’ll also face Zrinjski this week, who won their first game against AZ Alkmaar 4-3.
