From Dinamo and Hajduk Star to Waste Tire Transporter: Danijel Hrman's New Career

Danijel Hrman, a name once synonymous with Croatian football, having graced the pitches for giants like Dinamo Zagreb and Hajduk Split, and even earning four caps for the national team, has carved out a new, equally impressive career off the field. Today, Hrman is a successful entrepreneur, running a thriving truck transport business specializing in the movement of waste automotive tires. His company, operating four trucks, collects tires from vulcanization shops, primarily in Zagreb, and transports them to a large recycling facility in Trnovec.

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Posao je odavno uhodan. Imam četiri kamiona, prevozimo automobilske otpadne gume, najviše od vulkanizera iz Zagreba, do Trnovca gdje se nalazi velika reciklaža. I ja katkad vozim, kada su mi dečki, moji zaposlenici, na godišnjem odmoru. Taj posao naslijedio sam od oca nakon što je pretrpio moždani udar.

This venture, which Hrman inherited from his father after a stroke, is now a well-established operation. He occasionally drives the trucks himself, stepping in when his employees are on vacation. This transition from professional athlete to businessman highlights a common narrative in Croatia, where many former sports stars leverage their discipline and work ethic into new careers. Hrman's story, as told to Večernji List, showcases a grounded perspective, far removed from the glamour of professional sports, focusing instead on the tangible realities of business and family.

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Čujte, mogu reći da imam jedno zlato, nakon silnih srebrnih medalja u finalima Kupa s Varteksom. U Hajduku me dočekao trener Slišković, šampionsku sezonu završio je Štimac, pa je onda došao Ćiro Blažević.

Reflecting on his football past, Hrman recalls his championship win with Hajduk in 2005, a period marked by significant coaching changes. He also touches upon the challenges faced by wing-backs in modern football, a position he excelled at. While his heart remains with his hometown club, Varteks Varaždin, he expresses support for any Croatian club competing in Europe. His father, a devoted Hajduk fan, was a constant presence at his matches, even sharing a memorable anecdote about their celebratory dinner after Hrman signed with Hajduk. This blend of sporting legacy and entrepreneurial spirit is a uniquely Croatian tale, demonstrating resilience and adaptability.

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Moj jedini klub je Varteks Varaždin, onaj za koji sam ja igrao, pa i danas me srce vuče prema NK Varaždinu. No uvijek mi je drago kada neki hrvatski klub igra u Europi i tada uvijek navijam za njega. Inače, moj tata Stjepan, zvani Štef, teški je i zadrti hajdukovac!