Seferovic ennobles Gavranovic: “Even though we were competitors, Mario was like a brother”

class=”sc-29f61514-0 icZBHN”>

Mario Gavranovic (33) has decided to end his career and remain silent for the time being. He wants to let everything sink in and think before he speaks in public.

His dismissal does not come out of nowhere, but is still surprising. Although his contract in Turkey with Kayserispor expired this summer and he has been without a club since then, he would have liked to continue playing. He stayed fit for weeks in his hometown of Ticino, also trained interregionally with FC Collina d’Oro from the 2nd division and waited for a “suitable offer”. “Dismissal is absolutely not a problem at the moment,” he told Blick on August 12.

The right offer did not come. Not from Switzerland, not from abroad.

At the age of 20, the storm jewel from Ticino entered the big football stage of Schalke 04 in 2011 and even played in the Champions League together with superstars such as Raúl and Huntelaar in front of 60,000 fans. Now, at the age of 33, he is leaving through the back door. Peace and quiet in Ticino.

Large collection of titles

He deserved a bigger farewell. Gavranovic was one of the most efficient and successful Swiss strikers of the modern era. His title collection is impressive: German Cup winner with Schalke, two-time Cup winner with FCZ, six-time Croatian champion, three-time Croatian Cup winner with Zagreb and Rijeka.

One of his 16 goals for the national team should top any trophy. On 28 June 2021, he scored in the 90th minute to make it 3–3 in the European Championship Round of 16 against France, sending all Swiss fans into a frenzy.

Although he was only allowed to play in two of his 41 matches for the national team and there were certainly arguments to bet on him, he behaved exemplary for years as Haris Seferovic’s “back-up”. «Even though we were competitors, we always got along well. Our relationship was always friendly, we were always loyal, almost like brothers,” says Seferovic.

Brutal, cool-headed and tough on the field, reserved, respectful and collegial off the field. The way Gavranovic has been in recent years is not always the way he is. Early in his career he often gets in his way. He is often too impatient, too ambitious and makes headlines. For the first time as a loan player at Mainz, where he publicly clashed with Thomas Tuchel. He is then punished.

Once suspended from FCZ

At FCZ too, it is not only his goals that make the headlines. In 2013, he was temporarily suspended for insulting then-assistant coach Massimo Rizzo. He then tells Blick: “I want to remain emotional. I think I have become a good football player, also because of my character. I made a mistake and had no respect. This cannot happen again.” It never happened to him again. Gavranovic has learned from his mistakes. The person who was celebrated early has matured.

Now he stops. He still can’t give up football completely: the former Nati Clipper wants to train as a coach. Seferovic’s last word about his dismissal: “It’s a shame. I would have liked to see him continue on the football field. I wish Mario only the best for the future.”

Source : Blick