Croatia Stars Buy OAP Ex-Coach Car To Say Thanks

Story By: Ana MarjanovicSub-EditorJoseph Golder, Agency:  Golder’s News And Sport

These images show how Croatian international Dominik Livakovic and a fellow top-flight shot-stopper have bought their elderly former youth coach a brand new car as a sign of their appreciation.

Croatian goalkeepers Dominik Livakovic, 24, and Josip Condric, 26, both decided to gift their former coach Zeljko Njezic, 74, – whose online workouts are reportedly used by Manuel Neuer – a new car to celebrate his 74th birthday.

Picture Credit: Golders

The images show Njezic smiling with the new Opel Corsa (the equivalent of a Vauxhall Corsa) that was gifted to their former coach.

Condric spoke to local media after they gave the gift explaining: “Everything happened spontaneously.

“A month ago, we talked to grandpa, when we saw what kind of car he came in, Livi and I decided to buy him a new one so he could drive more safely.”

Grandpa is a term of affection the keeper uses to refer to Njezic.

Picture Credit: Golders

Njezic spoke with local media after he was surprised with the gift and said: “Joseph and Dominic have both become top goalkeepers and have grown into great men.

“What can I say, I was shocked! Luckily my son arrived from Osijek because I was in such a state of shock I could not even drive!”

Condric said the gift “is just a small token of our gratitude” saying: “I cannot describe to you how grateful Livakovic and I are to him for all that he has done for us.

“He still follows all our matches today, he cannot miss anything. He always tells us what we did well and what can do better. Simply, we have a different relationship with him”

Picture Credit: Golders

Njezic coach both players during their youth at NK Zagreb and both now play in the Croatian top-flight league.

Condric plays for Istra and Livakovic is plays for the Croatian national team and Dinamo Zagreb.

Njezic is considered an influential figure to goalkeepers around the world. His workouts are available on YouTube and are reportedly used by Bayern Munich star Manuel Neuer.

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