Gvardiol: From almost quitting football for basketball to Man City star

Manchester City defender Josko Gvardiol revealed that he was close to quitting football in his youth to dedicate himself to basketball. This shocking confession came at a time when the player saw no progress at Dinamo Zagreb. At just 16 years old, Gvardiol seriously considered changing sports in search of greater happiness and opportunities. “I was thinking of quitting because I also like basketball,” confessed Gvardiol. The Croatian player explained that the lack of joy in training led him to seek alternatives. His friends played basketball, which increased his desire to find a solution that would give him greater satisfaction.

Fortunately, Gvardiol finally managed to establish himself in the Dinamo Zagreb team, where he won several consecutive championships in Croatia. His transfer to RB Leipzig for £16 million made him the most expensive Croatian teenager in history at that time. Two years later, Manchester City signed Gvardiol for £77 million, making him the second most expensive defender in history, surpassed only by Harry Maguire. Since his arrival at City, Gvardiol has proven his worth, scoring more goals in the Premier League than any other defender. Last season, he participated in 55 of the team’s 61 matches, playing both as a center-back and a left-back.

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Recently, the Croatian defender has played as a left center-back in a five-match unbeaten run for City. “I am happy to be back in my position. Just play simple, protect the goal, defend the goal,” declared Gvardiol. Gvardiol also mentioned the team’s goals for the current season, although he prefers to remain cautious.

“Obviously, we have new goals this season and we want to aim high. But I like to say that it’s quite early to talk about our goals, the season is long, so we go game by game,” he added.

Josko Gvardiol

Currently, Manchester City is three points behind Arsenal at the top of the Premier League. The team will seek to reduce that difference this weekend when they face Aston Villa.