Budimir: “I want to score for Croatia the way I do in Spain”

The Osasuna striker has just completed another memorable season in Spain and is now hoping to score his first goal for Croatia at a major tournament.

On his ambitions with the national team...

“I’m focused on myself and my own path. Of course, as a striker, I always try to do what is most useful for the team. I’ve said before that I would immediately sign up for a repeat of Qatar. All of us here have a greater goal, and I hope that with my goals I can help bring victories to the national team and perhaps achieve even more than that.”

On Jude Bellingham and Marcus Rashford...

“As far as Bellingham is concerned, this season he has spent more time injured than fit. However, he is an exceptional player. I don’t know whether he will play, but he certainly adds extra quality. Rashford is also an excellent player and is always capable of making the difference.”

On England’s centre-back pairing, Marc Guéhi and Ezri Konsa...

“I wouldn’t like to go into tactical details. I think we need to be strong in both penalty areas, and those few centimetres certainly won’t be lacking for them.”

Comparing the current Croatia squad with the one from Qatar 2022...

“The team from Qatar has a medal, while this current team... It’s a different squad. Some players who were in Qatar are no longer here, but every year new quality players emerge who can make a difference. I hope this tournament will be a successful one.”

On scoring 55 goals in Spain over the last three years...

“Consistency is very important to me. It gives me confidence and joy. The most important thing is that I stay healthy. I want to continue scoring for the national team the way I do in Spain.”

On his message to children dreaming of a football career...

“Every child who starts playing football has to value themselves and believe in their own development as a player. Of course, support from family and loved ones is also important. That helped me a lot. I always try to believe in myself and train with the motivation that tomorrow I will be better than I am today.”

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