Josko Gvardiol’s Surprising Sporting Journey: Almost Left Football
Josko Gvardiol, the rising star defender for Manchester City, recently revealed that his path to professional football almost took a very different turn. According to an interview featured on ESPN, Gvardiol admitted that he nearly quit football in his youth to pursue a different sport altogether.
A Passion for Another Sport
Growing up in Croatia, Gvardiol was not only a keen footballer but also showed significant talent in handball. In fact, at one point, he was so passionate and skilled in handball that he considered dedicating himself fully to that sport. The physicality and tactical depth of handball intrigued him, and he enjoyed the fast-paced nature and teamwork it demanded.
The Turning Point: Choosing Football
Despite his interest and potential in handball, Gvardiol ultimately chose football, influenced by his love for the beautiful game and perhaps the opportunities it presented.
His family and coaches played a crucial role in advising and supporting him, helping him see that football could be his path to professional success and international recognition.
Rapid Rise to Prominence
Since choosing football, Gvardiol’s career trajectory has been impressive. After showcasing his defensive skills with Dinamo Zagreb and then impressing during his tenure at RB Leipzig, the 22-year-old defender made a significant transfer to Manchester City, one of the top clubs in the English Premier League.
His ability to play both as a center-back and a left-back highlights his versatility, making him an invaluable asset to manager Pep Guardiola and the City squad.
Reflections on His Near-Career Change
Gvardiol reflects on his near-departure from football with some surprise, remarking on how close he was to walking away from the sport that ultimately made him a household name in European football.
He emphasized that both sports taught him important lessons about teamwork, discipline, and mental toughness which helped shape him as an athlete and a person.
Looking Ahead: A Bright Future
Now firmly established in top-flight football, Gvardiol is focusing on improving further and contributing to Manchester City’s ambitions domestically and in Europe.
With the experience gained from past challenges and decisions, his story stands as inspiration: sometimes the path we nearly don’t take is exactly the one that defines us.
Image courtesy by www.espn.com
