The Zagreb Life Daily specially produced a short film for Dinamo Zagreb.
In an instant, this short film spread across all of Europe.
The background music: the world-famous "Croatian Rhapsody."
As the first note was played, as the elegant piano keys produced a crisp sound—
The curtain slowly rose.
The deep voice of Croatian commentator Kraushevic echoed.
"This is Eastern Europe in the heart of winter. This is a corner of the footballing world. This is Croatia. This is Zagreb!"
"When a group of young men set foot on their Champions League journey, what they encountered was disdain and neglect."
"When the Champions League group stage was drawn—placed alongside European giants like Real Madrid, Roma, and Leverkusen—we were so insignificant."
"The saddest part wasn't the insults or the mockery—it was being ignored."
"No one paid attention to us. No one looked our way. The whole world assumed we were destined to fail."
"And yet, it was in that silence and disregard... that these young men began their counterattack!"
Boom! Boom! Boom!A deep drumbeat joined the rhapsody, making it more passionate.
"Faced with the Galácticos—Ronaldo, Zidane, Raúl, Beckham—many would surrender. 'We can't play! How do you even play against them?'But these Dinamo Zagreb boys told the world exactly what they intended to do!"
"In the 12th minute, when Madrid pressed forward—Raúl ran down the wing and passed back to Carlos, Carlos threaded a diagonal to Zidane, Zidane let it run, Ronaldo took a shot that was blocked by goalkeeper Grestech—the counterattack began!"
Accompanied by actual match footage, this exhilarating moment replayed.
Suker sprinted with everything he had down the flank and blasted the ball into Real Madrid's goal.
In the video, Suker threw his hands up and roared in celebration.
The stadium erupted.
"Croatian Rhapsody" hit its climax—intense drumming, furious piano keys.
Like a daylight dream.
"Six Champions League group-stage matches, one battle after another, and at last—these young men bloomed in the most brilliant way."
"That goal was just the beginning. From there, they played a magnificent six-movement symphony."
"Against Leverkusen, one win, one draw."
"They did the double over Roma."
"They nearly toppled the Galácticos."
"And they advanced to the knockout stages as group winners!"
"In that moment, their voices, carried by winter winds, soared over the Alps and resounded across Europe."
In the video, the young players huddled together in a circle, cheering their victory.
As their cheers echoed, the screen slowly dimmed.
When it lit up again, Suker stood before the camera, microphone in hand.
That brilliant smile was still on his face.
"The result doesn't matter. What matters is—we've shown everyone what Dinamo Zagreb truly means."
"What this city of Zagreb stands for."
"We proved what we represent. The meaning of this blue jersey we wear!"
"This—this is our football!"
"We've shown the world that Davor Suker's retirement wasn't an end. It was the beginning of what he hoped to see in us."
"I want to thank so many people—Štimac, Jarni, my teammates, coaches, and of course, the fans."
"Veterans, youth, and supporters united—we've created a glorious story!"
"And this story isn't over. In every match to come, we will deliver our best performance yet."
"And we welcome all our new friends to come to Maksimir Stadium and watch us play."
"Wooooaaaaaaahhh!!"
Suddenly, Srna and a bunch of young players burst into frame.
They threw their arms around Suker, laughing and jumping.
"The wind! The wind! The wind is blowing!!! Hahahaha!!"
As youthful smiles filled the screen, the video faded to black, but the Rhapsody still roared in the background.
Winter in Croatia is long and freezing.
Snowflakes danced through the air. Suker, wrapped in a blanket, curled up in the dorm lounge.
"How much is a wood-burning heater system? This damn weather's going to freeze us to death!"
When people have money, they start to get picky.
Suker used to just tough out the winters. But now, with his wallet full, he wanted a better, more comfortable life.
"No idea—but definitely not cheap," said Mandzukic, also shivering.
Snow kept falling. Suker knew this couldn't go on.
He immediately called his agent, Zorančic.
"I need two wood heater systems. Yep—best if they can be installed today!"
"Workers are on holiday? Hell with their holiday—get them up and working. I'll pay double!"
That's the benefit of having an agent. Lots of things can be delegated.
By afternoon, Zorančic showed up with the workers.
"Installing the heater system takes about three days. You guys should move out during the work."
Suker nodded and shouted,
"Mario, let's stay at a hotel for three days."
Mandzukic immediately turned to pack clothes.
It was winter break now. They had nothing to do.
"Where's the other heater going to be installed?" Zorančic asked.
"The orphanage. Contact the headmaster—I'll give you their number," said Suker.
"Heating costs are high," Zorančic noted.
"I'll pay!" Suker declared, waving his hand.
Winter at the orphanage had always been hell.
Even now it was tough, but back during wartime, the place was in ruins—freezing wind howling through the broken walls, kids huddled in corners for warmth.
Maybe it's because he lived through all that himself—Suker always wanted to give the orphans something better.
Zorančic looked at Suker with a smile.
Suker could seem selfish sometimes, but his heart was kind.
It's just that life had forced him to be this way.
They packed and, escorted by Zorančic, checked into a Zagreb hotel.
Once checked in, Zorančic tossed Suker his key card and said,
"Let's talk."
Suker nodded.
"Let's go down to the café."
They headed downstairs, ordered two coffees.
Warming his hands on the cup, Suker asked,
"Talk about what?"
"Your future," Zorančic replied."You've been generating a lot of buzz across Europe lately. I've spoken to several media outlets—they're planning to do feature pieces on you."
Suker nodded.
"Must've cost you a fortune?"
"It's a necessary investment," Zorančic said."Now's the time to spend—later, you'll earn a lot more."
"So, what do I need to do?"
"Nothing but play your best football. My team will handle the rest."
"One more thing—your transfer. You're definitely leaving this season, right?"
Suker nodded firmly.
He needed a bigger stage. No doubt about it.
Zorančic nodded.
"We've already got a lot of offers. But I don't plan to talk yet. If you guys go deeper in the Champions League, we'll have more leverage."
"Which club are you leaning toward personally?"
"Milan," Suker said without hesitation.
There were many offers, but only one Milan.
"What about Arsenal?" Suker asked.
Zorančic grinned.
"Seems they're having financial trouble. They can't offer much. I heard they're chasing some Dutch kid named Robin van Persie this winter."
Suker nodded.
Wenger had clearly backed out of the race.
"AC Milan's attitude—is it clear?"
"Very clear," Zorančic confirmed."Right now, your value has climbed to €12.5 million—Milan's the top bidder."
Suker nodded.
Zorančic continued:
"Would you consider Chelsea? They've made a joint bid for you and Luka. Luka's very interested."
Suker smirked.
Chelsea?
Would Mourinho really let him play as a center forward? Not a chance.
They talked transfers a bit more. Zorančic mainly wanted to confirm Suker's preferences before making moves.
Once done, Suker returned to his room, locked himself in the bathroom...
And opened his system panel.
[Name: Suker][Height: 174 cm][Weight: 67 kg][Speed: 85 + 10][Agility: 90][Strength: 79][Explosiveness: 93]
At 18, Suker's body was rapidly developing.
In half a year, he'd grown another 4cm.
His weight was rising, and his strength had clearly improved too.
Speed, explosiveness, agility—all were improving bit by bit.
He looked at the stats, quite pleased.
Only 6cm away from 180cm.
He pulled up his player card:
[Diamond Card (Special)] Inzaghi's Positioning[Yellow Card (Special)] Poschenochi's Interceptions[Yellow Card (Special)] Sobot's Left Foot[Red Card (Special)] Andrei's Rocket Shot
Page Three:
[Black Card (Skill)] Rosicky's Tackling – 30%[Black Card (Skill)] Lahm's Long Shot – 5%[Black Card (Skill)] Lautaro's Heading – 15%
So far, he'd drawn four Black Cards during the Champions League group stage.
These three were absorbable.
The remaining card?
[Black Card (Skill)] Lukaku's Dribbling
He grinned.
The future Inter duo, all in his pocket.
The legendary combo: "One tall, one fast!"