The departure of ‘Zidane from Novi Mikanovac’: He watched footage of Vukovar and destroyed Ronaldo

Tempering on the outskirts of Zagreb

Mile Škori was born on June 19, 1991 in Vinkovci. he grew up, as I say, with the strong support of his family, without any hindrance or “pushing”. He started playing football in Mikanovci and Vođinci, and his talent soon took him to Cibalia, and then at the age of 15 to Osijek, with whom he signed his first professional contract. But the path to legend status was anything but easy. He made his debut for the white and blue as a 17-year-old under Ilijom Lončarevićembut the beginning of his career was marked by problems. He struggled with physical fitness, he would run out of breath too soon, and the doctors even suspected heart problems, which later turned out to be a problem with the circulatory system.

In the summer of 2011, there was no more room for him in Osijek. Unsuccessful rehearsals abroad followed, where again the obstacle was physical preparation, and then a return to the harsh reality of the Second HNL. Kalio plays for Gorica and Zagreb’s HAŠK, on ​​the biggest Croatian football bypass, far from the spotlight. Just then, when his career was at a turning point, he returned home. Osijek was in financial collapse, and the recommendation Dragan Vukoja she returned it to the City Garden. Tomislav Steinbrückner gave him a chance in the position of stopper and Škorić oberučke accepted her. It was the beginning of the rise that would turn him into the captain and icon of the club.

The icon of the City Garden and the captain’s farewell

In the years that followed, Mile Škorić became synonymous with NK Osijek. His loyalty, combativeness and leadership qualities made him an irreplaceable member of the first team of every coach, from Zoran Zekića do Nenada Bjelica. He played everything – the last midfielder, fullback, winger, and even in the first match for the white and blue, he was the “ten”. But he reached his peak as a stopper, the position in which he started his journey. With the captain’s armband around his arm, he led his team in historic victories, such as the one against the Dutch great PSV-a in 2017, which set the whole city on fire.

Three days that changed everything

November 2020 will forever be written in his biography. On Saturday, he played in the round of 16 of the Cup at the Udarnik stadium against third-league team Kurilovac. On Sunday night, at 10:30 p.m., his cell phone rang. On the other side was coach Zlatko Dali, faced with a complete breakdown in defense ahead of the key Nations League match against Portugal. Due to the coronavirus, injuries and cards, he remained only with Dejan Lovren. Pre-call has been activated.

​- I told the team manager There Olivari that I would come by my own car, that was the fastest and simplest way – Škori explained later.

On Monday, he rushed from Osijek to Split, did the testing and joined the training in the afternoon. Less than 24 hours later, he was standing on the lawn of Poljuda, and across from him an attack worth half a billion euros: Cristiano Ronaldo, Diogo Jota and João Felix. Although Croatia lost 3-2, Škorić played the doctor’s part. He was timely, kind and brave.

His acrobatic intervention in the 75th minute is especially memorable when he threw himself back and headed the ball in front of Ronaldo, who was headed for a volley. The famous Portuguese was left without a goal and a real opportunity. It was a performance that earned him a standing ovation, even from an empty Poljud stadium. He later discovered an additional source of motivation.

​- The match was played the day before the anniversary of Vukovar. I watched that picture before the match, Vukovar from the 1991 war, and I got extra motivated. These people made it possible for us to play these kinds of matches today – the Slavonian stopper, who played seven matches for Croatia, said emotionally.

The Chinese episode and the new nickname

He collected a record 337 appearances for Osijek in the HNL era, becoming one of the fans’ biggest favorites. That is why the decision to leave in March 2023 was one of the most difficult in his life. At the age of 32, an offer arrived from China that could not be refused.

​- I didn’t think this would happen, especially not at this age. I broke down and thought for a long time, but I came to the conclusion that I have given a lot to the club and that maybe it is time to say goodbye. This may be my last train to see something else, to feel some change – Škori admitted honestly. at an emotional farewell to the club and the fans who sent him off with a standing ovation.

After saying goodbye to Osijek, Škorić went to the Far East. He first played for Cangzhou Mighty Lionsand then for Tianjin Jinmen Tiger. In both clubs, as a confirmation of his character, he very quickly took the captain’s armband. There, his old nickname, “Zidane from Novi Mikanovac” became relevant again. He earned the nickname even in his younger days, partly because of his fascination with the French maestro, and partly because of his similar hairstyle and playing style. During the presentation in Tianjin, he made everyone laugh with his statement.

​- They called me Zidane because of that hairstyle and the level of play I gave. But recently I had a hair transplant and it started to grow. Who knows, maybe you’ll call me in a year Valderramom – Škori joked, alluding to the legendary Colombian.

After two years in China, where he made a great impression, he became a free agent. Although he had offers to stay in Asia, he decided to return closer to home, aware that he would fare worse financially.

Premature end for Rijeka

At the beginning of 2025, as a big reinforcement, he signed for Rijeka. The experienced stopper was supposed to bring quality and leadership to the defense of the team from Rujevica. However, fate had other plans. In only his third appearance, in a match against Istria in 1961he suffered a serious injury that kept him off the field until the end of the season.

His stay in Rijeka was marked by a struggle with recovery, which, unfortunately, was not successful. Although he could not help on the field, he was part of the team that won the double crown, the first trophies in his senior career. It was a bittersweet ending to an unusual football journey.

​- I was sorry that in the end I couldn’t help the team anymore. I had a great desire to return to the field, but the injury was too much. I am glad that I had the opportunity to end my long career by winning a trophy – he said in his farewell, modestly and quietly, just the way he played his entire career.

*with the use of AI