Last Wednesday, Hull City goalkeeper Ivor Pandur said he was pleased to be on Croatia manager Zlatko Dalić’s radar.
A few days later, the 25-year-old received his first call-up from Croatia for the ongoing international break. Sportske Novosti relay comments made by Pandur on his first call up, and about Hull City.
Pandur could be in contention to make his senior debut when Croatia host the Faroe Islands in Rijeka later today.
The Hull City player was born in Rijeka and graduated from HNK Rijeka’s youth system. He’s explained this makes it even more special for him to be called up for the national team for the first time.
“It’s incredibly lucky that we happened to be in Rijeka. I’m at home, whenever I have free time, my friends and family come to my hotel for coffee. Everything happened, I’m living in the perfect moment, I’m very happy,” he said.
“I’ve always just worked and kept quiet and tried to let the pitch speak for me. I believed that with a little luck it would come. And here I am…”
“God willing” for Premier League aim
The Tigers signed the stopper from Fortuna Sittard in January 2024. He had to wait until the start of last season to cement his place at the Championship side.
Former Croatia goalkeeper Stipe Pletikosa has praised Pandur’s footwork. The outlet noted this is required for the top division, which could be his next step. Pandur responded to this by sharing his Premier League dream.
“God willing. Only God knows what will happen and how,” Pandur explained.
“I’m putting in my maximum effort to improve every part of my game. That’s what got me here and I hope it continues to be like that. As long as I stay healthy, everything else will fall into place.”
Hull City are currently fifth in the table, four points behind second placed Middlesbrough.
Pandur is very happy with the club’s form this season, especially considering their transfer ban last summer. He’s optimistic of at least a top six finish.
