Football great Steven Gerrard won over by Croatia’s Međimurje region: “It’s truly special”
- by croatiaweek
- in Sport
Steven Gerrard and Matija Posavec (Photo credit: Međimurska županija)
Former Liverpool and England football star Steven Gerrard was so impressed with a recent visit to the Croatian region of Međimurje that he has promised to come back with his family to explore more.
Gerrard, who is now manager of Saudi football club Al Ettifaq, was in Međimurje recently with his team for their pre-season tour. Gerrard chose Sveti Martin na Muri for the base for the squad’s training camp.
(Photo credit: Međimurska županija)
Another former Liverpool captain, Jordan Henderson, also was in Međimurje with the squad after signing for them in the summer, as to were French footballer Moussa Dembele, known for his stints at PSG, Lyon, Fullham, Celtic, and Atletico Madrid.
(Photo credit: Međimurska županija)
The gracious hosts for Gerrard and his squad were the players and management of the Polet Football Club from Sveti Martin na Muri, in cooperation with the Toplice sv. Martin, who ensured top-notch preparation conditions for the players and management.
Al Ettifaq played their final training match against FK Rabotnički from Skopje at the SRC Mladost stadium in Čakovec and prior to the game, Matija Posavec, the County Prefect of Međimurje, had a conversation with Steven Gerrard, extending him and his squad a warm welcome to the region.
(Photo credit: Međimurska županija)
The positive reputation of this region has reached far and wide, and it’s clear that Međimurje has captured the attention and hearts of the Saudi team and their coach, Gerrard. Međimurje is already recognised worldwide as a top-tier sports destination, and the Saudi club consistently shared their impressions of Međimurje through social media, spreading photos and videos showcasing the beauty and advantages of Međimurje as a sports destination.
(Photo credit: Međimurska županija)
“We’ve experienced exceptional hospitality and excellent preparation conditions. I liked Međimurje so much that I must bring my family here to share the unique experiences this region offers. It’s truly something special,” Steven Gerrard told Matija Posavec.
