“I’ll always leave my heart on the pitch” | OneFootball

Igor Matanovic on his return to Frankfurt, his role, his “Balkan mentality” and how much he “loves wearing the eagle on my chest”.

Igor Matanovic on ...

… pre-season preparations: “I’m incredibly happy to be back in Frankfurt [after spending the 2023/24 campaign on loan at Karlsruher SC]. I’m looking forward to the team, the friendlies and the training camp. Personally, I feel like I’m coming home. I already got a taste of the power and energy of the club in the lead-up to last season, even if it was only in friendlies. Even then, I loved and appreciated wearing the eagle on my chest.”

… his development in Karlsruhe: “Self-confidence is a big thing. More than anything, though, I made a huge step towards senior football at KSC. I played 32 games, which did me a lot of good. Playing the whole 90 minutes from time to time is very important for young players.”

… his role: “I’ll be part of the squad, which is something I really appreciate. With good performances in training and in friendlies, I want to return the favour and put myself in contention for [further] appearances. The coach expects me to adapt quickly to this higher level, which has gone very well in my first week [back]. Whether I play in games or not, I’ll always give everything for the team.”

… his strengths: “Bringing physicality and power to our attack. It’s my job to score goals – I was born hungry for goals. But I need to be there for the lads too – getting on the end of crosses into the box but also asserting myself in tight spaces and laying the ball off. I’ve come a long way in that regard over the past year and I’ve learned a lot. I also want to add a little Balkan mentality, which is something they’ve had here in the past. I’ll always leave my heart on the pitch.”

… representing Croatia: “I made the decision two or three years ago, and it wasn’t an easy one. I owe a lot to Germany. I was born here, I grew up here and I went to school here. My parents were taken in here as refugees. I know how much Germany has done for us. In the end, it was a decision that came from the heart.”

… his role models: “Two names quickly spring to mind: Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Mario Mandzukic – I copy a lot from them.”

… wanting to become a professional footballer: “It was always my goal. Even as a four or five-year-old, I was breaking vases in our apartment. My love for football has never changed. I was able to turn my passion into a career, which is a privilege and something I value a great deal.”