Final fling for Mijatović

By Kadira Malkoč

At 34, prolific striker Predrag Mijatović has seen it all, but while he has a tremendous career to look back on, the hope of further glory with Serbia and Montenegro has kept thoughts of retirement to the back of his mind.

Final challenge
With 69 appearances and 26 goals already for his national side, the Serbia and Montenegro captain has set himself one last challenge as he enters the twilight years of his career. "Qualification for UEFA EURO 2004™ is my big dream," he told uefa.com. "A glorious end to my international playing days. I loved Yugoslavia and feel the same today but, like all others, I have to accept political decisions and love my new country the same way."

Recent setback
Despite the recent setback, when Serbia and Montenegro's international debut was marked by an inauspicious 2-2 draw with Azerbaijan, Mijatović remains optimistic of reaching the finals in Portugal. "Against Azerbaijan we had difficult moments, if we are really worthy, we will win against Wales and Finland and seal our victory against Italy at home," he said.

Dreams come true
It sounds like an ambitious dream, but for a player who has made dreams come true so readily in his career, you would not bet against Mijatović. Having won the FIFA World Youth Championship with Yugoslavia in 1987 and the 1992/93 Yugoslavian title with FK Crvena Zvezda, Mijatović then took his talents to Valencia CF in Spain. A total of 56 goals in 104 games marked him out as a striker of impeccable talent, and the result was a move to Real Madrid CF in 1996.

'I touched the stars'
"Madrid are the biggest club in Europe," he said. "Playing there I touched the stars. Those were unforgettable days." Unforgettable for the club's supporters as well. Forming a deadly attacking partnership with Davor Šuker, Mijatović's Madrid won the 1996/97 Primera División before the striker took centre stage with the winning goal against Juventus FC in the 1997/98 UEFA Champions League final.

Back to Spain
Mijatović moved to Italian side AC Fiorentina in 1999, but struggled to win a first-team spot as the club spiralled towards financial collapse at the end of the 2001/02 season. However, unwilling to face retirement, Mijatović signed for Spanish second division side UD Levante in the summer of 2002.

Family worries
"I plan on playing for two more years at least," he said. "I feel physically and mentally ready to stay on the pitch, and I will play as long as I feel I can be useful. I decided to go to Levante because my son Andrija, who was born with an incurable disease, is treated in Valencia. He could never travel with me and now I have decided to be close to him. I have also another son and two daughters and having them close is the best feeling I can imagine."

Golden memories
Family concerns may be at the forefront of his mind, but Mijatović cannot help but glow with pride as he remembers the golden days of his career. "There were several precious moments, with the first in 1987," he said as he remembered that star-studded Yugoslavian youth team. "It was an excellent generation and victorious in every sense.

Final gesture
"I also felt fantastic when I scored the goal for Madrid in the Champions League final, and when I scored the goal that took Yugoslavia to EURO 2000™ in Belgium and the Netherlands. That was unforgettable," he added. A goal to take Serbia and Montenegro to the finals of EURO 2004™ could yet be his final, glorious gesture.