Gvardiol Close to Retirement: From the Pitch to Basketball, Now a City Star

Manchester City defender Josko Gvardiol revealed that he was close to quitting football in his youth to dedicate himself to basketball. The decision, which could have changed the course of his career, came when he was playing for Dinamo Zagreb. At 16 years old, Gvardiol couldn’t establish himself in Zagreb’s first team and considered other options for his sporting future.

I was thinking of quitting because I also like basketball.

Josko Gvardiol

Gvardiol explained that he had lost motivation in football and was looking to feel happier, as his friends played basketball.

Finally, Gvardiol managed to debut in the Zagreb team, where he won several consecutive championships in Croatia. His transfer to RB Leipzig for 16 million pounds (21 million dollars) made him the most expensive Croatian teenager in history. Two years later, Manchester City signed him for 77 million pounds (103 million dollars), making him the second most expensive defender in history, only surpassed by Harry Maguire when he joined Manchester United. Since his arrival at City, Gvardiol has scored more goals in the Premier League than any other defender. Last season, he participated in 55 of City’s 61 matches, playing both as a center-back and left-back.

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Recently, the Croatian has played as a left center-back in a five-match unbeaten run for City.

I’m happy to be back in my position.

Josko Gvardiol

Gvardiol added that his goal is to play simply, protect the goal, and defend the goal. Although the team has new goals this season, he prefers to go match by match, as the season is long. The City is three points behind Arsenal at the top of the Premier League and will look to reduce that difference this weekend when they face Aston Villa.