Budimir: My most important story is to enjoy playing and deliver for Croatia

Croatian striker Ante Budimir expressed a strong sense of readiness and optimism as he looks ahead to a major international football tournament. Having enjoyed a successful season in Spain's La Liga, where he is nearing a milestone of 100 goals, Budimir feels his consistent goal-scoring form provides a solid foundation for the competition.

"The feeling is really good, I'm healthy, which is the most important thing," Budimir stated. "I've had goal-scoring continuity all year, which is very important. This is my second major tournament, and I'm satisfied with my work, my training, and my role in the national team. In these circumstances, I want to achieve a result and help the team in a story where I can play my part. That's my priority, and everything else will follow."

“

The feeling is really good, I'm healthy, which is the most important thing. I've had goal-scoring continuity all year, which is very important. This is my second major tournament, and I'm satisfied with my work, my training, and my role in the national team. In these circumstances, I want to achieve a result and help the team in a story where I can play my part. That's my priority, and everything else will follow.

Budimir acknowledged his evolving role within coach Zlatko Dalić's system, noting increased participation in recent matches compared to previous tournaments. He understands the trust placed in him and is focused on delivering his best performance. "I am aware of the responsibility, but one must also enjoy it," he added. "Those close to me know how important contemplation is to Budimir, and he constantly works on it. I am aware that I am going to a major tournament. Not everyone has the opportunity to be here, in my place. Surely many people would want to be here. When you think about it more deeply, you realize it's a big responsibility, an obligation, and expectations. I know what is required, and it is also a privilege. On the other hand, as our coach told us: 'Play football, enjoy...!' I want to enjoy it, find the best balance between that responsibility and the pleasure of being selected. I have the chance to experience again what I've dreamed of since I was seven years old – playing in the World Cup, being in the sticker album I collected."

He stressed the importance of balancing this responsibility with the enjoyment of the sport, aiming to capture the same passion he felt as a child dreaming of playing on the world stage.

“

I am aware of the responsibility, but one must also enjoy it. Those close to me know how important contemplation is to Budimir, and he constantly works on it. I am aware that I am going to a major tournament. Not everyone has the opportunity to be here, in my place. Surely many people would want to be here. When you think about it more deeply, you realize it's a big responsibility, an obligation, and expectations. I know what is required, and it is also a privilege. On the other hand, as our coach told us: 'Play football, enjoy...!' I want to enjoy it, find the best balance between that responsibility and the pleasure of being selected. I have the chance to experience again what I've dreamed of since I was seven years old – playing in the World Cup, being in the sticker album I collected.