I was a kid from Croatia in the fourth grade, and football was my whole world. I played football every day after school, no matter the weather.I was very good at it, and i loved the feeling of the ball at my feet. I played as a central defensive midfielder because i liked being everywhere on the pitch and helping my teammates. My club was called FC Hajduk Pakrac, and we were a fourth division club, but to me , it felt like we were playing in the biggest stadium in the world.
One Saturday, we had a very important game against our biggest rivals.The atmosphere was tense and the stands were full of parents and fans. The score was two to two, and only a few minutes were left. We were attacking, and everyone believed we could still win. Our winger dribbled past a defender, crossed the ball into the box, and I ran forward. I hit the ball with all my strenght and scored in the final minute. Everyone started shouting and cheering. We won the league, and that moment made me believe in myself even more.
After my amazing performance, my coach sent me to a professional trial in Zagreb, the capital of Croatia. I was excited but also nervous because there were many talented players. We played against Dinamo Zagreb, but unfortunately I didn't play in my usual position. Instead, I played as a winger. I wasn't very fast, so I couldn't just kick the ball and run. Because of that, I wasn't able to show my full potential. When the coach talked to me after the match, he said that was part of football and that he would send me again next year.Even though I was disappointed, I didn't give up.
One year passed, and this time there was no central defensive midfielders, so I finally played in my position. I was nervous because it was my role, and I was also the captain. I felt responsible for the whole team. During the match, I delivered an amazing pass trough their defence, and the winger scored. I was very happy and full of confidence. Later, there attacked, but I made a great tackle and started a counter-attack.I ran forward, the goalkeeper tried to stop me, but I chipped the ball over him and scored. We celebrated like never before.
After the game, a scout came to me. He said that I was talented and asked me to join their club. I told my parents about it, and they supported me and said that we could go there. That was the beginning of a new chapter in my life.
Eight years later, we won the league and qualified for the Champions League. I was the youngest and the smallest player on the team, so I couldn't always win duels, but that didn't stop me. In the first game, we won three to one, and I scored a hat-trick. In the second game, we lost two to one, but I got one assist. We had to win the third match, and we won three to two, even though I had no goals or assists.
We reached the round of thirty-two and played against Lazio from Italy. We won two to zero and we were very happy. Seven days later, we played against Valencia from Spain. We were losing two to zero at half-time and everyone was sad. I gave the team a motivational speech. we came back stronger. In the last minute it was two to two. I scored two goalsand won a penalty. I stepped up for my hat-trick and scored in the top bins. Everyone jumped on me. It was unforgetabble moment.
we won easily in the quarter-finals. In the semi-finals the match went to penalties after extra time. My teammate scored the winning penalty and we reached the fimnal against Real Madrid. The score was three to three. Extra time started and they scored immidiately. However, in the last minute, a cross came into the box and I score with an overhead kick. The stadium was delighted.
we won the first Champions League for dinamo and scored the final goal against Real Madrid. A few days later I recieved a contract from Real Madrid. I accepted the deal with the best club in the world. That was the day that changed everything.