Chapter 87: Davor Šuker

On his first night with Dinamo Zagreb, Šuker had a wonderful dream. In the dream, he wore the iconic red and black jersey of AC Milan, playing alongside legends like Maldini, Gattuso, Kaká, and Inzaghi. Though just a dream, it left Šuker feeling incredibly refreshed. Breaking out from the Bosnian Premier League to join Dinamo Zagreb was, in itself, a major leap forward. The day after joining Dinamo Zagreb, Šuker, along with Modrić and Mandžukić, went for a medical check-up at a local hospital in Zagreb, accompanied by staff members. The entire process wasn't too complicated, likely due to an existing partnership with the hospital. The whole thing was wrapped up in about thirty minutes. Afterwards, Šuker, Modrić, Mandžukić, and the others got to choose their jersey numbers. Due to the club's recent restructuring, many jersey numbers were available aside from a few veteran players. Numbers like 5, 6, 7, 8, and 11—usually reserved for starters—were all free. After confirming multiple times that the number 9 jersey was unavailable, Šuker chose number 7. This was also the number Bešić had prepared for him. From this number selection, it was clear that Šuker would play on the wing. Modrić picked number 8. In the end, Šuker took 7, Modrić 8, Mandžukić 11, and another new signing, Vukojević, took number 5. As for the symbolic number 10, Bešić chose to keep it reserved. Once everything was finalized, Dinamo Zagreb publicly announced the signings through the media. The news didn't generate much buzz—except for Modrić, who was already well-known to local fans, the other new signings were mostly unfamiliar faces. To add to that, Davor Šuker's return to Dinamo Zagreb had already flooded headlines across Croatia, further overshadowing the other announcements. The Croatian league starts quite early, with the opening match set for July 17. As a result, the players' offseason was extremely compressed. Especially with Dinamo Zagreb just having undergone a complete overhaul, the team needed time. Coach Bešić demanded all players report for a month-long training camp starting June 1. Šuker and the others barely had any time to rest. On May 29, Dinamo Zagreb held a grand welcome ceremony for Davor Šuker. As a Croatian football legend, Šuker's return filled fans with hope. The highlight of the event came when Bešić placed the captain's armband on Šuker's arm, sending the crowd into a frenzy. No one was more suited to lead this team than Davor Šuker. By May 31—just one day before training camp—Šuker, Mandžukić, and Vukojević had just finished dinner at a restaurant near the training ground and were heading back. "Tomorrow's the first day of training—we have to give it our all," said Mandžukić, already fired up. Since joining Dinamo Zagreb, he had been in a state of high excitement. Even knowing that Davor Šuker would be his competition didn't dampen his fighting spirit—if anything, it made him even more fired up. Vukojević nodded silently. From the past few days of interactions, it was clear he was the quiet type. Except during matches, he spoke as little as possible. "Want to get some extra training in tonight to prep for tomorrow?" Mandžukić suggested. Vukojević seemed interested. But Šuker shook his head and said, "Tomorrow's the first day of camp. Based on past training routines, the first day is usually pure physical conditioning. The kind that makes you puke. Better save your energy." The other two agreed. Their initial excitement settled. Šuker glanced at his two teammates. From what he heard, the team also included Dujmović, Pranjić, and Srna. Aside from Šuker, Jarni, and Štimac—the only veterans—the rest were young guns. The oldest among them, Dujmović, was just 22. This was basically a youth squad. More importantly, many of them would go on to play for the Croatian national team! That fact alone proved just how much potential this lineup had. As the trio walked toward the training base, a sudden engine roar tore through the air. Vrooooom~~~~~ All three turned their heads. A red Ferrari Enzo sped toward them from the end of the road. At a time when old cars dominated the streets, this supercar was a rare and eye-catching sight. Just one glance was enough for Mandžukić and Vukojević to be mesmerized. They couldn't look away. Šuker handled it slightly better but still curiously eyed the rare Ferrari in Zagreb. Screeeeech! The Ferrari skidded to a stop beside them. The window slowly rolled down to reveal a sunglasses-wearing, brown-jacketed Davor Šuker leaning out the window. His fingers were adorned with flashy rings, their value apparent even if you couldn't name them. He wore a golden Rolex on his wrist. Davor Šuker looked at the three star-struck youngsters and patted his car. "Good afternoon, boys. Is that Dinamo Zagreb's training facility up ahead?" Šuker glanced at the large road sign ahead. Clearly, this guy stopped just to show off. After a moment of silence, Šuker put on a beaming smile and said, "Just straight ahead!" Davor Šuker snapped his fingers. "Thanks, Šuker. See you later!" Šuker blinked in surprise. He knows who I am? The red Ferrari roared off into the distance. Suddenly, Mandžukić gasped. "Oh no! The road ahead is under construction. He should've taken the side entrance!" Šuker smacked his forehead. "I forgot to mention that!" Despite his words, he didn't look the least bit regretful. Vukojević caught this. His eyes glinted with suspicion as he looked at Šuker. This guy definitely did it on purpose! Sure enough, when they walked ahead, they saw the red Ferrari pulled over. Davor Šuker sat by the roadside making a phone call. When he saw the three approaching, his face showed mild embarrassment. "You didn't tell me the road's closed," he said accusingly. Šuker scratched his head and replied apologetically, "Sorry, I got too excited and forgot." He played it well, and Davor Šuker didn't seem too upset. The four of them waited by the road for the tow truck. Mandžukić and Vukojević had entered full fanboy mode, bombarding him with questions. "What's it like to play in the World Cup?" "Is it tiring playing for Real Madrid?" "How's it different playing for a big club versus a small one?" They fired off question after question, not wanting to waste this rare chance to chat with a top footballer. Šuker squatted nearby but didn't ask much. Whenever Davor mentioned a player, Šuker would react, but not too enthusiastically. While answering questions, Davor also kept observing Šuker. Among the young players in Bešić's dossier, only two left a deep impression on him: Šuker and Modrić. Their raw talent was obvious and exciting. Sometimes, Davor even wondered: if these two had been born a few years earlier, could they have helped Croatia reach the World Cup final—or even win it—in 1998? Of course, Davor himself had no idea about these thoughts. Soon, the tow truck arrived and hauled away the Ferrari. The four of them walked the rest of the way to the training base. "Tomorrow is the first day of training. Looking forward to seeing what you've got," Davor Šuker said with a smile. Mandžukić and Vukojević were visibly pumped. Šuker was also eager, though his mood was heavier—more focused. After parting ways with the youngsters, Davor Šuker headed to Bešić's office. "They really need to fix that road—I just lost my car," he said, plopping into Bešić's chair without hesitation. The two were friends in private, despite their professional titles of coach and player. "But this little mishap gave me a chance to chat with Šuker, Mandžukić, and Vukojević," Davor said with a grin. "They're all burning with desire to make a strong impression on us old-timers." Youthful hunger was always a good thing. Competition is the soul of football. A player who doesn't know how to compete can never reach greatness. "And?" Bešić asked. Davor stroked his chin. "Well, Mandžukić and Vukojević were more focused on my watch and car. I don't blame them—young guys want a better life. I showed off on purpose to inspire them." "As for Šuker..." Davor's expression turned strange. "He kept staring at my legs—especially my left one." Bešić froze, then burst into laughter. "He always has weird interests. He was probably wondering why your left foot is so legendary." Davor laughed too. "Well, tomorrow's the first day of camp. Time to see just how good this next generation of Croatians really is!"