Who is Serbia 'national hero' Petrovic?
- Published
The baggage of Serbia goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic has been checked in for several different destinations all over Europe in the past couple of months, according to the transfer gossip.
He was linked with Galatasaray, Bayer Leverkusen and Monaco, as well as several Premier League clubs like Leeds, Southampton and Aston Villa.
But, after a standout season at the French side Strasbourg, where he was on loan from Chelsea, he has landed in Bournemouth.
The strong interest in the 25-year-old from the city of Pozarevac, in central Serbia, comes as no surprise to football fans back home - Petrovic is living the best of his days.
Last season, he helped Strasbourg finish seventh and was rewarded with a place in the Serbia squad, and he now has seven caps.
Saving a penalty in the World Cup qualifier against Albania – a match charged with a lot of tension, because of politics and history – even earned him national hero status.
The German media compared him with Manuel Neuer, one of the best goalkeepers of the century, due to their similar height, footwork and pass accuracy.
His former coaches commend Petrovic's physical attributes, noting his strength in the air and willingness to come off the line, particularly noting his effectiveness in one-on-one situations and at stopping penalties.
Up until his move to Chelsea in 2023 from Major League Soccer side New England Revolution, he was a relatively unknown name in Serbia.
He came up through Cukaricki, a club from the capital Belgrade, that has a notably smaller fanbase than the two Belgrade giants, Red Star or Partizan.
His move to the United States did not do much for his visibility, but he did win a place in the MLS All-Star squad before his £12.5m switch to the Premier League made him the most expensive Serbian keeper in history.