Guest post by Aleksandar Babac
NOTE FROM ZAMAN: The author writes from a Croatian perspective on the potential signing of Ivan Perisic. He is also the creator of the largest West Ham-based Croatian Facebook page.
“I was very honoured when Slaven Bilic called me for my first international duty with the Croatian national team – it was just a month after my 22nd birthday. A month later, for my second cap, Slaven put me into the starting XI for a friendly against France. Slaven showed me that he counted on me and I will remember that moment for the rest of my life.”
With those chosen words, Ivan Perisic, the world class Inter Milan left-winger, spoke about Slaven Bilic. Croatian fans and newspapers are absolutely delighted about the possibility that Slaven could line up an ambitious move for the experienced 27 year-old, who could become only the sixth Croat in the Claret and Blue jersey. He will take the place of Payet.
However, in the last few days, media from Croatia, France, and Spain have said that the move is very unlikely to take place. Internazionale Milano must sell some players in accordance with Financial Fair Play rules, and they are ready to sacrifice Ivan Perisic on whom they have already put a price tag of €40M.
But just who is Ivan Perisic? Well, he is one of the best Croatian players at the moment and is a star for Inter. This fast, powerful, and skillful left winger is very strong in aerial duels. On top of that, he is good on both feet.
Ivan was born in Split (the second-largest city of Croatia) and started his youth career in Hajduk Split… just like our very own Slav! He was just 17 when he moved to Sochaux in Ligue 1. Four years later in 2011, he was the top league scorer playing for Club Brugge at the time, and received the best player award in the Belgian Jupiler League.
After Slaven’s call to the Croatian National team, Ivan established himself as irreplaceable member of the Croatian team earning 55 caps and scoring 16 goals. Under Slaven’s command, Ivan participated at EURO 2012 playing in the group matches. Scoring six goals in the EURO 2016 qualifying round, Perisic become Croatia’s top scorer in qualification adding two more in the tournament, which included the winner against Spain.
Bilic actually “invented” Ivan Perisic, and there is a strong bond between them. Ivan’s style of play is the product of Hajduk’s youth academy which he joined in 2000. At the time, Slaven was the manager of the club. Croatian fans simply adore Ivan Perisic, as well as Slav! In 2014, Croatian supporters officially gave him the Vatrena Krila – an award for the “Best and Biggest Hearted Player”. In the same year, Slaven won the lifetime achievement award.
But it is not just Croatian fans who adore him. He is often booked for his rather passionate goal celebrations with the fans… and keep in mind he scores a lot of goals, so the cards do pile up! During his eight seasons spent at Clubb Brugge, Borussia Dortmund, Wolfsburg, and Inter Milan, he has scored 72 league goals in 235 matches, which statistically makes him more effective than the money-grabbing snake.
Whilst the chances of us actually signing him are slim to none, there is a sense of optimism here that Slaven will do all he possibly can to bring Perisic to the East End of London. George Dobson will have to make way with his no. 44 shirt for the new marquee signing!