World champion with Spain, Dani Olmo, in a big interview reveals how his blue heart stayed in Maksimir, who is the secret of La Roja, and why Joško Gvardiol is his first choice for Barcelona.
One of the world's biggest football stars, Dani Olmo, has once again proven that Dinamo is permanently etched in his heart. In an exclusive interview for Sportske novosti, the world champion with Spain didn't hide his enthusiasm for the convincing victory of the Zagreb club. The first sentence he sent after a short break from the World Cup was more than clear: "5:0... Dinamo is heading to the Champions League."
Olmo stayed in touch even during the World Cup, and to every congratulation he responded with thanks and a symbolic blue heart. "They congratulated me from Dinamo on the world champion title," revealed the Spanish international, who two years ago, after winning the Euro, visited Zagreb and caused real euphoria at the Kustošija pitch.
Recalling that visit, Olmo told how his manager Andy Bara brought him among the kids, parents, and fans. "Andy invited me to Croatia after the European Championship ended. I'm always happy to come to Zagreb, to Croatia. I'm always happy when I come here, to my second home," said Olmo, who never misses an opportunity to emphasize his connection with Croatia and Maksimir.
When asked about the secret of the dominant Spanish national team, Olmo highlights unity as the key factor. "With our coach, I won the U-21 European Championship title, we won silver at the Olympic Games, the Nations League, and now we're European champions. We've won everything with Luis de la Fuente," Olmo listed, adding that the only new face in the established group was Lamine Yamal. "We're truly a great bunch off the pitch as well; as they say, we all breathe as one."
Although he plays for Barcelona, Olmo admits he feels a difference in approach between the club and the national team. "The concept of ball possession and positional play is very similar. But in the national team, I have more freedom than at the club. That freedom allows me to participate more decisively during the match," he explained. He rated his own performance at the World Cup as good, but modestly added: "There are always things in my game that I can improve."
When asked which Croatian player he would like to see in a Barcelona jersey, the answer came without a moment's hesitation: "Joško Gvardiol!" Olmo confirmed that all his future plans are exclusively tied to the Catalan club and the national team. Commenting on Barcelona's ambitions in the Champions League, he said: "Every season we've shown we're ready. We need to fine-tune the details that cost us. But now we have more experience, and the club is making efforts to strengthen positions."
Olmo also commented on Croatia's performance at the World Cup. "Croatia was eliminated early, but it was against Portugal, one of the clear favorites for the very top. And with certain controversies, we know what we're talking about, right? I don't want to get into analysis, but Croatia fought at this World Cup as always," he stated.
To conclude, the Spanish virtuoso also praised Dinamo's new acquisition, young Dani Rodriguez, whom he believes will develop under coach Mario Kovačević. "Rodriguez is a young, talented, and confident player who can certainly develop at Dinamo and help the club achieve its goals," Olmo concluded, adding that he can't wait to return to Zagreb to, as he said two years ago, once again "kiss the Dinamo crest."
