Jerko Leko

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Jerko Leko (born April 9, 1980 in Zagreb) is a Croatian footballer who currently plays for Monegasque club AS Monaco FC. He is known for his versatility, and can play anywhere in midfield.

[edit] Club career

Leko's career began with NK Dinamo Zagreb in 2000 in his native Croatia, although he was not an immediate success. After spending some time on loan at NK Croatia Sesvete, he became a regular starter in 2001/2002, helping Dinamo Zagreb win the Croatian Cup, scoring in the final against NK Varteks and being named Man of the Match. Leko eventually moved to Dynamo Kyiv in 2002 for €4m (a then club record). In his first season in Ukraine, Dynamo won the double, with Leko playing 18 times.

In February 2006, it was announced that Leko would be leaving Dynamo Kyiv, having turned down a new contract offer. He subsequently signed for AS Monaco on a free transfer on June 4, 2006.

On June 3rd 2008 it was reported that Leko was a potential transfer target for Scottish champions Celtic FC. It was said that Leko had spoken to fellow Croatian and former striker of Celtic's rivals Glasgow Rangers, Dado Pršo, who had advised him that it would be a good move.^[1]

[edit] International career

Leko made his Croatia debut in 2002 against Hungary but was not included in the 2002 World Cup squad. He scored a goal in a 4-0 victory against Belgium in a Euro 2004 qualifier, and was included in the the final stage's squad, but only played 22 minutes during the tournament.

Selected to represent the nation in the 2006 World Cup, Leko made two substitute appearances, against Brazil and Australia. He was also part of the final squad for Euro 2008.

[edit] References

[edit] External links

• Dynamo Kiev profile (Ukrainian & Russian)

v • d • e Croatia squad - UEFA Euro 2004 1 Vasilj • 2 Tokić • 3 Šimunić • 4 Tomas • 5 Tudor • 6 Živković • 7 Rapaić • 8 Srna • 9 Dado Pršo • 10 Niko Kovač • 11 Šokota • 12 Butina • 13 Šimić • 14 Neretljak • 15 Leko • 16 Babić • 17 Klasnić • 18 Olić • 19 Mornar • 20 Rosso • 21 Robert Kovač • 22 Bjelica • 23 Didulica • Coach: Otto Barić

v • d • e Croatia squad - 2006 FIFA World Cup 1 Pletikosa • 2 Srna • 3 Šimunić • 4 Robert Kovač • 5 Tudor • 6 Vranješ • 7 Šimić • 8 Babić • 9 Dado Pršo • 10 Niko Kovač • 11 Tokić • 12 Didulica • 13 Tomas • 14 Modrić • 15 I. Leko • 16 J. Leko • 17 Klasnić • 18 Olić • 19 N. Kranjčar • 20 Šerić • 21 Balaban • 22 Bošnjak • 23 Butina • Coach: Z. Kranjčar

v • d • e Croatia squad - UEFA Euro 2008 1 Pletikosa • 2 Šimić • 3 Šimunić • 4 Robert Kovač • 5 Ćorluka • 6 Vejić • 7 Rakitić • 8 Vukojević • 9 Kalinić • 10 Niko Kovač • 11 Srna • 12 Galinović • 13 Pokrivač • 14 Modrić • 15 Knežević • 16 Leko • 17 Klasnić • 18 Olić • 19 Kranjčar • 20 Budan • 21 Petrić • 22 Pranjić • 23 Runje • Coach: Bilić