Croatian legend Milan Rapaić housed and supported young Goran Pandev during financial struggles in Italy

Macedonian football icon Goran Pandev has shared a heartwarming story of support from Croatian legend Milan Rapaić during his challenging early days in Italian football. Pandev, now recognized as one of North Macedonia's greatest players, spent much of his career in Italy, achieving historic success with Inter Milan and other clubs.

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Milan Rapaić because he helped me a lot in my career when I was in Ancona. I had financial problems because the club wasn't paying us wages and he took me to live with him. He is a phenomenal man and friend. He helped me so much.

However, Pandev recalled his time at Ancona in the 2003-04 season when he was just 20 years old. Facing financial difficulties due to unpaid wages from the club, Pandev found himself without the means to support himself. It was then that Milan Rapaić, a decade his senior and a star player at Ancona, stepped in to offer crucial assistance.

Rapaić not only invited the young Pandev to live with him for six months, providing him with accommodation and support, but also advocated for his playing time. Pandev explained that Rapaić spoke to the coach, Giovanni Galone, highlighting Pandev's performance in training and encouraging him to be given a chance in matches.

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I was a kid who wasn't getting paid and didn't have money, so I couldn't pay for an apartment. He then invited me to live with him and I was there for half a year. He also pushed me forward as a player.

This support proved instrumental. Pandev recounted how Rapaić urged him before a game against Bologna, saying, 'Little one, you're playing from the start today, don't disappoint me!' Pandev responded by scoring his debut goal against the renowned goalkeeper Gianluca Pagliuca, a moment that validated Rapaić's faith and marked a significant turning point in Pandev's burgeoning career.

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Little one, you're playing from the start today, don't disappoint me!