World NewsCvitanich Pins His Future to Croatia |
Dario Cvitanich has declared his intention to play for Croatia rather than the land of his birth, Argentina.
The 24-year-old, a new signing for Ajax this summer, was born in Baradero but is of Croatian heritage. He revealed he had been contacted by the Croatian football association to discuss his availability and has accepted the chance to play for Slaven Bilic."I am really happy to have the opportunity to play for Croatia," Cvitanich told La Red radio station.
"I have to think that this could be my only chance to play in a World Cup. That train passes only once and you have to jump on it."
Cvitanich scored 13 goals for Banfield in the Clausura tournament, prompting Ajax to snap him up this summer.
But even as he embarks on his new challenge in the Eredivisie this coming season, Cvitanich will have one eye on his international future.
Although he agreed to declare for Croatia after a meeting with Croatian FA president Vlatko Markovic, he knows he must earn a place in Bilic's squad.
"I want to be respectful and prudent because I have to wait for an official call from the boss," he said. "I was told that he wants to talk with me.
"It would be like a dream to play in the qualifiers and the World Cup. With Argentina that was almost impossible. I look at it as if I am going to play for another team, but the emotion will remain the same. I will die as a fan of my country."
Copyright (c) 2008 Press Association
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