Chapter 193: The Boys

In the evening, Suker and the others gathered in the dormitory to watch the UEFA Champions League semi-final.

AC Milan vs. Inter Milan.

Putting the Milan Derby in the Champions League semi-final made European fans even more excited.

But the score was disappointing for Inter fans.

Inter Milan 0:3 AC Milan.

Despite enjoying the home advantage, Inter Milan were trailing by three goals at the 80-minute mark.

In the previous leg, AC Milan had already defeated Inter 2:0.

If the match ended with this scoreline, AC Milan would beat Inter with a total aggregate of 5:0.

To shut out such a strong opponent like Inter Milan — what a performance by AC Milan.

This result instantly boosted the confidence of the Dinamo Zagreb players.

"We're awesome!"

Duimović couldn't help but exclaim.

Inter, with stars like Adriano, Verón, and van der Meyde, were held scoreless.

Yet they, Dinamo Zagreb, had managed to score five times against AC Milan — how could they not feel proud?

"What's that got to do with you?"

Vukojević teased from the side.

Duimović fired back, "With me, we won!"

"That long-range shot of yours flew into orbit. Were you trying to kick all the match balls into the stands?" Srna joked.

Duimović retorted, "My long shots are a bit off, but I always come through in key moments!"

Everyone nodded in agreement.

Whatever his flaws, Duimović was reliable when it mattered most.

By now, Duimović had recovered enough to walk without crutches. He was moving around more easily, and in about a month he'd be fully fit again.

Still, recovery after a major injury is always tricky.

And the guy was just about to transfer to Lyon.

Let's hope he doesn't flop and get sent back!

As they chatted, the match ended.

AC Milan beat Inter with a total score of 5:0 and advanced to the Champions League final.

They would face Liverpool from the English Premier League.

Suker shook his head and sighed, "It was fate to suffer this disaster!"

Honestly, if Milan had just eased up in the semis and been knocked out by Inter, they wouldn't have had to face the nightmare of the "Istanbul Night."

"All right, we should start preparing for our final match too," said Srna as he stood up and patted his back.

Two rounds ago, Dinamo Zagreb had already secured the league title at home.

It wasn't surprising — it was a total domination in terms of ability.

These young players had already surpassed the standard of the Croatian league. Even against Hajduk Split, they steamrolled right through.

Dinamo Zagreb once again won the 2004/2005 league championship, and a week earlier, with a mixed lineup of starters and substitutes, they also won the Croatian Cup.

Dinamo Zagreb completed their second domestic double in history.

The last time this happened was when Davor Suker was still playing for Dinamo.

And now, they had repeated that glory.

These two titles were their final gifts to the fans.

Because everyone knew — after this season ended, they would all be leaving.

Together they were a raging fire. Apart, they would become a sky full of stars.

What lay ahead was unknown, but as Suker's blessing had said — they were about to embark on their brand-new professional journeys.

And each of them would shine in their own way!

May 20th – Zagreb, Maksimir Stadium

That day, the stadium was packed to the brim with fans. It was so full, people were even standing in the aisles.

These were Dinamo Zagreb fans who had come to send off the boys.

No way would they miss this — their heroes' final match in Dinamo colors.

After this game, they would take off the blue kits and go their separate ways.

The "youth storm" that swept across Europe this summer would live on only in their memories.

"This is the 36th round of the 2004/2005 Croatian League — Dinamo Zagreb vs. Slaven Belupo!"

"It's the final match of the season, and after this game, these boys will be leaving this pitch."

"So let's call out their names as loud as we can!"

The Dinamo players walked out of the tunnel one by one.

The fans shouted the name of each player loudly:

Srna!!!Gorestec!!!Pranjić!!!Jarni!!!Štimac!!!Vukojević!!!Modrić!!!Rakitić!!Valević!!Mandžukić!!!

And finally:

SUKER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! —

To the roaring cheers, the players took the field.

They stood at the edge of the pitch, looking out at the crowd with focused expressions.

This was their final game for Dinamo Zagreb. They were determined to make the most of it.

"The boys are on the pitch — this is their farewell match!"

"Two years might not be long, but they brought us emotions and honor we've never felt before."

"I believe this summer is forever etched in the minds of our generation!"

"These young men who dazzled across Europe — they came from Croatia! From Dinamo Zagreb!"

"After this match, they'll go their separate ways — to new stages, and I believe, to even brighter futures!"

"Go! Boys! In your final game — let's cheer with all our hearts!"

The commentator's voice — Kraushevich — echoed through the speakers.

"Suker breaks down the wing — he's cutting in? No! He passes!!"

"Mandžukić runs forward and shoots!!"

"Beautiful! Dinamo Zagreb scores just five minutes into the game thanks to Mandžukić!"

"Shout his name — he is Mario..."

MANDŽUKIĆ!!!!!!! —

Over 50,000 fans erupted. His eyes were red, but he still gave his most passionate applause.

"Modrić from distance!!!"

"OHHHHH!! GOAL!!! A stunner into the top corner — Modrić scores again!"

31st minute.

Suker had the ball on the wing — he surged forward.

He was going for it!

"Suker breaks forward — a slick Marseille turn! He's past the halfway line — will he pass? No! He's still going! Grafić slides — Suker dodges with a stop and flick! Malinac closes in — Suker cuts sideways for space — the keeper comes out — Suker fakes again! He's past him — GOAL!!!"

"What a brilliant solo goal!"

"In his farewell match, Suker dribbled past five men to deliver a final gift!"

"Yes — this is the Champions League's Best Young Player, and the Golden Boot winner!"

"He wears number 9!"

SUKER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! —

The crowd went wild.

With a 3-goal lead, Dinamo Zagreb had already sealed the victory.

In the 55th minute, coach Bešić subbed off Suker and Modrić, one after the other.

Giving each of them the full ovation from the fans.

As they walked off, the fans clapped with red eyes.

Their hands hurt from clapping, but they didn't stop.

The applause continued until the final whistle.

When the match ended, Suker and the others walked back onto the pitch.

It was time to say goodbye.

"Time for farewell. Two seasons — 725 days. These young men played 107 matches for Dinamo Zagreb. From doubt to brilliance, they kept exceeding expectations and bringing joy."

"We love every one of them!"

"Suker, Modrić, Srna, Duimović, Vukojević, Mandžukić, Pranjić — they are like our own children. Now they have wings to fly."

"They leave their harbor, their homeland — to explore grander stages."

"It's time to say goodbye."

"Mario — thank you. Thank you for breaking defenses and bringing us wins."

"Luka — thank you. Our midfield brain. Forever Croatia's genius."

"Duij — thank you. For your dedication and your arrival!"

"And Srna — our young captain. Always reliable!"

The commentator Kraushevich's voice choked with emotion. Everyone — players and fans alike — had red eyes.

Srna took deep breaths, his lips trembling.

Modrić looked up, trying not to cry.

Mandžukić clenched his fists, holding back tears.

Pranjić sobbed.

Vukojević wiped away tears.

Suker's eyes were red too.

Two years — time to part ways.

"And finally — Suker, grow taller soon!"

Pfft!

That line broke the emotional dam — everyone burst out laughing through their tears.

Suker's dramatic mood was instantly deflated.

He raised his fist in protest, "I have grown!"

And mumbled quietly:

"Still growing, of course."

Kraushevich also smiled as he wiped his tears.

Then he bowed his head, his voice trembling again.

It was really time to say goodbye.

"Now — let's give our boys the final farewell gift!"

Tens of thousands of fans reached into their pockets and pulled out red rose petals.

They flung them into the air with all their strength!

Petals filled the sky.

They spun and danced as they floated down.

A shower of roses, a curtain of blossoms.

Kraushevich's tearful voice echoed again:

"Roses symbolize passion, romance, and true love."

"Just like the love we have for you."

"May the red petals pave a road of love before you."

"May you be cared for and embraced in foreign lands."

"May your future shine as brightly as a rose in full bloom."

"Goodbye, Dinamo Zagreb boys."

"Goodbye, our Boys."