The Serbian legend from the finals of the Youth Sports Games sent a powerful message: 'We must do better, together!'

Zlatan Ibrahimović arrived in Split during the final stage of the Youth Sports Games, marking a rare appearance by one of football’s most iconic figures. The event took place at the Croatian National Theatre, where Ibrahimović gave an exclusive interview with RTL Danas presenter Maja Oštro Flis. In the interview, he expressed his enthusiasm for being part of the initiative, which aims to bring together young athletes from Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Serbia. He emphasized the importance of unity through sports and praised the project's potential to connect people across borders. Ibrahimović, who has roots in Croatia, described his visit to Split as a special experience. It was his first time in the city, and while he spoke in English during the interview, he admitted that his grammar was not perfect. Despite this, he was eager to share his thoughts on the significance of the games and the role of sports in fostering connections among people. He highlighted the value of working alongside local organizers such as Zdravko Čeferin, whom he had met earlier in the process. Čeferin had encouraged him to meet Zdravko and his brother, who were behind the successful project. Ibrahimović was impressed by their work and felt honored to contribute to its success. During the interview, Ibrahimović also acknowledged several other prominent figures in Croatian sports. He praised Luka Modrić, describing him as a masterful player whose presence on the field brings joy to fans. He noted that Modrić, who currently plays for Real Madrid, continues to perform at the highest level and should remain active as long as possible. Ibrahimović also extended well-wishes to Slaven Bilić, a former player and coach who has made significant contributions to Croatian football. He admired Bilić’s character and believed that combining talent with personal integrity leads to great success. The event in Split attracted a wide range of international sporting personalities, including legends like Dejan Savićević and Željko Obradović, both of whom have left indelible marks on European sports history. Savićević, though initially reluctant to engage in conversation, was eventually drawn into discussions about the future of football in the region. He expressed hope that younger generations would continue to excel and strengthen ties within the area. Similarly, Obradović, known for his coaching expertise, received warm welcomes from spectators, underscoring the enduring appeal of these figures even after decades in the game. The atmosphere in Split was electric, with many fans gathering outside the venue to catch glimpses of the stars. Among them was Nemanja Vidić, the former Serbian captain who played for Manchester United and became a central figure in the debate around football governance in Serbia. Vidić expressed his satisfaction in participating in the event, noting how it brought together people from different backgrounds under a shared passion for sport. He saw the Youth Sports Games as an opportunity to inspire youth and promote collaboration across regions, emphasizing the need for positivity and mutual support. As the event drew to a close, the focus remained on the collective effort to build a brighter future for sports in the Balkans. The involvement of legends like Ibrahimović and Vidić served as a powerful reminder of the lasting impact that individuals can have on the development of young talents. Their participation underscored the belief that sports transcends national boundaries and continues to serve as a unifying force in society. With the games concluding successfully, the legacy of this gathering will likely endure, inspiring new generations to pursue excellence and foster greater unity through the power of sport.