Olmo: Croatia gave me everything; I felt like I had to give something back

Dani Olmo has never forgotten the years he spent in Croatia.

The Spanish international arrived at Dinamo Zagreb as a teenager and developed both as a footballer and as a person during his time in the Croatian capital. Now, as he returns to Croatia with Spain, he has spoken about the deep connection he still feels with the country — and why he recently decided to give something back.

“I felt I had to give something back to Croatia”

Olmo did not expect his assistance to Croatia to become a public topic. Speaking in Croatian, he explained that the decision came from a personal sense of gratitude.

“I didn’t know I would have to talk about it. When I left, I felt a bit indebted to Croatia; I felt I needed to give something back. So, I arranged aid with my business partners for Vukovar, as well as for Slavonski Brod, where I had been with the lads four or five years ago.

“I thought that was the best way to help families and people who had gone through difficult times. That’s how I felt, and that’s what we did,” said Olmo.

“Croatia gave me everything I have and everything I am”

Returning to Croatia is about much more than another international fixture for Olmo. He spent his teenage years here, a period he says shaped him both on and off the pitch.

“It’s a wonderful feeling to return to the country where I grew up and spent my teenage years. Croatia gave me everything I have and everything I am as a person and a footballer. I’m very happy and can’t wait for the match. My family and the friends I made here will be in the stands,” he said.

Joining Dinamo was once one of the most difficult decisions of his life. Today, he regards it as one of the best.

“Each of us has our own story. Joining Dinamo was one of the hardest decisions of my life. They saw the player I am today in me, and I trusted them. Ultimately, it was one of the best decisions of my life.

“My mother and I were on our own in a completely new country, with a new language. I carry all of that in my heart. I am very happy to be back here. Even though this is Split, I hold Zagreb and the people I met there close to my heart. This will be a special match for me,” he emphasized.

A familiar stadium, but a very different match

Olmo knows Poljud well. During his time with Dinamo, he experienced the stadium’s atmosphere several times, but tonight he returns in a different role — as a member of the Spanish national team facing Croatia.

“The atmosphere will be electric. I’ve never played against Croatia here before, only against Hajduk. The fans will give their players maximum support. I expect a great match that we can enjoy on the pitch. That will give us extra motivation,” he said.

Returning to the Poljud dressing room also brought back memories of his Dinamo days.

“Memories came flooding back — images of the team after victories and celebrations with Dinamo here. I have great respect for Hajduk. It’s nice to be here. I played here as a visiting player, and now I’m a visitor again,” he noted.

In touch with Livaković and Majer

Olmo has also remained in contact with his former Dinamo teammates and Croatian internationals Dominik Livaković and Lovro Majer.

“I’ve been in touch with Livi and Lovro Majer. They’re having a tough time; what happened on Saturday wasn’t the Croatia we know.

“It will be tough for us. They have great fans who will spur them on, but we know what we need to do, and I hope we’ll win.”

Olmo admitted that Croatia’s heavy defeat to England also surprised the Spanish players.

“We were surprised by the result. We couldn’t watch the match, but we’ll see what Croatia’s reaction is like. We’ve played against them many times and know how strong they are. It won’t be easy for us.

“It doesn’t matter that they lost to England; we have to focus on our own game.”

Croatia wanted him, but he chose Spain

During his time at Dinamo, there was also a possibility that Olmo could eventually represent Croatia at international level.

“There was a possibility; they showed interest, and I was very grateful. However, I wanted to continue playing for Spain — my national team — and I succeeded in doing that. We’ve won everything a player could possibly want to win. I hope there will be many more titles,” he said.

Different demands at Barcelona and with Spain

Olmo also reflected on his performances for Barcelona and the Spanish national team, noting that the two environments demand different things from him.

“They are two completely different coaches. Although the styles are similar, they ask for different things. At Barcelona, the play is more vertical, whereas with the national team, I have more freedom.

“I feel very good in both systems. The level I’ve shown at Barcelona is good, but I want to contribute even more so we can win the most important titles,” he concluded.