Mirko Jozić returns to Chile after 20 years: “My love for Colo-Colo and this country remains”

Mirko Jozić walked back onto Chilean soil after nearly 20 years away and was met at Santiago International Airport by the fans who still remember his greatest Colo-Colo triumph. Supporters in jerseys from that era sang, embraced him and waited to welcome the coach who led the club to the historic 1991 Copa Libertadores title.

The reception quickly became a celebration. Jozić signed autographs, posed for photographs and hugged supporters as chants of “Mirko Jozić never forgets you!” filled the terminal. His grandson also photographed him during the homecoming.

Visibly moved in his first exchange with the media, the Croatian coach said, “Coming to Chile is something very, very emotional for me. It is pure emotion because it confirms that I left some kind of mark behind me that people recognize, that the friendship continues and that my love for Colo-Colo continues.”

Jozić returned as part of a series of tributes organized by Colo-Colo, reconnecting the club with the coach whose tenure produced the most celebrated international achievement in its history.

“

Coming to Chile is something very, very emotional for me. It is pure emotion because it confirms that I left some kind of mark behind me that people recognize, that the friendship continues and that my love for Colo-Colo continues.