Ivan Perišić

Ivan Perišić is a Croatian attacking midfielder of VfL Wolfsburg and the Croatia national football team. He was born in the city of Split.

Ivan began playing football at the age of 16 in the Hajduk Split youth team. When 17 the footballer drew the attention of various famous clubs, including Ajax, Anderlecht, Hertha BSC, PSV and Hamburger SV. However, Perišić decided to continue his career at French club FC Sochaux.

Ivan was part of Sochaux for quite a long period, but spent all his time at the club as a reserve team player. Eventually, not having made a single appearance in the first team shirt, Perišić was sent on loan to Belgian Roeselare in order to gain the necessary experience.

The Croatian opened his account with Roeselare on 11 January 2009 in the Belgian Cup. Ivan appeared in the starting eleven and delivered the winning goal against his future club Brugge. On 17 January of the same year Perišić made his Belgian Pro League debut in a match against KV Kortrijk and his team lost 1-2.

After the end of the season the footballer returned to Sochaux and on 26 August 2009 was purchased by Club Brugge for €250,000. On 13 September 2009 Ivan made his debut appearance for the club in a 1-1 home draw against Genk. Brugge’s only goal in the 6th Round of the Belgian Pro League was scored by none other than the newcomer Ivan Perišić. The Blue-Blacks finished third in the championship, and the Croatian made 33 appearances for the club and contributed 9 goals.

The 2010/11 season turned out to be less successful for Brugge than the previous one with the 4th place in the tournament. Nevertheless, Perišić became the top scorer of the Belgian Pro League with 22 goals in 37 matches for the club, and was chosen Player of the Year in Belgium. His performance attracted the attention of outstanding football clubs, but Borussia Dortmund was particularly interested in the player. On 23 May the Black Yellows signed Perišić from Brugge for €5 million on a 5-year deal. Nevertheless they sold him in January 2013 to VfL Wolfsburg for about €8 million.

Ivan was capped to the Croatia U-17, U-19 and U-21 teams. In 2011 he was first called up to the senior team. Ivan’s national debut came on 26 March 2011 in the Euro 2012 qualifier against Georgia, when he made a sub appearance for Ivan Rakitić in the 63rd minute of the game. His team lost 0-1.