Šuker: "In Spain, the athletes are superbly treated"

Hotel Esplanade in Zagreb hosted the Spanish National Day ceremony, with Davor Šuker receiving a special award from Spanish ambassador His Excellency Eduardo Aznar.

The legendary Croatian international left a permanent mark in Spanish football, playing for Sevilla and Real Madrid, and winning among other titles the Champions League. Šuker was awarded for his contribution in promoting the friendly bonds of these two friendly countries.

Foto: Drago Sopta/HNS

"Our desire is to reward a man who is a Croatian, but also a Spaniard. Simultaneously, we reward all Croatian athletes who left their mark in Spain and who, through various activities, make a positive impression on Spanish people. Because of people such as Davor Šuker, Croatia is getting more popular in Spain, and Spain is getting even better known in Croatia", said ambassador Aznar.

Among other distinguished guests, ambassador offered a special welcome to Biserka Petrović, the mother of an athlete who also left a profound impression on Spanish sport, as well as the whole sporting world.

Foto: Drago Sopta/HNS

"I would like to thank everyone for this award, coming from a country that respect its sports, that invests in it and is therefore very successful. On my behalf and on behalf of other athletes, I can say that in Spain, the foreign athletes are superbly treated. One of the everlasting memories will be my chance to speak to King Juan Carlos after winning the Champions League", said HNS president Davor Šuker.

Šuker presented the ambassador with an commemorative jersey, and later spoke to Croatian media about Spanish approach to sports:

"Spain has given me the chance to fulfill my childhood dreams of becoming a world-class player and winning trophies. I have enjoyed these nine years because Spain is a country that accepts all people, takes care of their children and invests in sports. It is normal for the king and other dignitaries to cheer their national teams from the stands and rejoice with their people. I hope that shall be the case in Croatia. Their long-term investments are paying off, to the country, to sport, to the fans, and to the economy. Whatever is invested in youth is worthwhile".

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