Nikica Jelavić

Nikica Jelavić is a Croatian footballer. He was born on 27 August 1985 in Čapljina, SFR Yugoslavia.

Nikica’s parents sent him to the football academy of neighbouring town Gabela, when he was 14 years old. In 2001 the player already performed for the Neretva youth team and moved to Hajduk Split in 2002. In 2007 Nikica signed for Belgian side Zulte Waregem and left the team a year later to join Vienna side Rapid. Jelavić never regretted that, because he showed a spectacular performance in the Austrian side team during two seasons. The Croatian footballer also demonstrated wonderful results in Scottish side Rangers to which he transferred in August 2010. After the successful 2011/2012 season Nikica was offered to sign for Liverpool side Everton and he accepted the offer. Jelavic scored 21 goals in 69 appearances for the side during two years.

In January 2014 the striker moved to Hull City.

From 2002 Jelavić was capped for the Croatia national youth team, made four appearances, but did not find the net. In 2009 he was invited to the senior squad for the first time.