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Andrej KramaricCroatian footballer, striker
Date of Birth: 19.06.1991
Country:  Croatia |
Content:
- Early Life and Career
- Breakthrough with Dinamo Zagreb
- Loan to Lokomotiva Zagreb and Return to Dinamo
- Move to Rijeka and Record-Breaking Season
- Transfer to Leicester City and Impressive Goal Record
- Loan to Hoffenheim and Permanent Transfer
- International Career
- Achievements
Early Life and Career
Andrej Kramarić is a Croatian professional footballer who plays as a striker for Hoffenheim and the Croatia national team. Born in Zagreb, Kramarić joined the youth academy of Dinamo Zagreb at the age of six. He quickly emerged as a prolific scorer, netting over 450 goals for the club's various youth teams, a record for the club.
Breakthrough with Dinamo Zagreb
Kramarić made his first-team debut for Dinamo Zagreb on May 24, 2009, coming on as a substitute in a league match against NK Zagreb. He established himself as a regular the following season, making his UEFA Champions League debut in July 2009. Over the course of the campaign, Kramarić scored 27 goals in all competitions, including 7 in the league.
Loan to Lokomotiva Zagreb and Return to Dinamo
In February 2012, Kramarić was loaned to Lokomotiva Zagreb, where he became one of the most prolific goalscorers in southeastern Europe. He scored 21 goals in 45 appearances over the course of a season and a half, earning the runner-up spot in the Croatian First Football League scoring charts in 2012/13.
Upon his return to Dinamo Zagreb, Kramarić expressed his desire to become the club's main striker. However, tensions arose when coach Krunoslav Jurčić preferred to use Duje Čop and Ante Rukavina as his forward pairing. Kramarić's frustration led to a falling out with the club's director, Zdravko Mamić, who subsequently put him up for transfer.
Move to Rijeka and Record-Breaking Season
Rijeka capitalized on Kramarić's rift with Dinamo Zagreb and signed him on August 31, 2013. He made an immediate impact, scoring in his debut match against NK Slaven Belupo. In October 2013, Kramarić netted an astonishing 8 goals in a Croatian Cup match against third-tier side NK Zmaj Blato, setting a new Croatian record for the most goals scored in a single top-flight match.
He continued his prolific form throughout the season, scoring 27 goals in all competitions. He also won the Croatian Cup and the Croatian Super Cup, becoming a key player for Rijeka.
Transfer to Leicester City and Impressive Goal Record
Kramarić's impressive performances attracted the attention of several top clubs. In January 2015, he joined Leicester City on a deal until 2018. He scored his first goal for the Premier League side against Arsenal in February 2015.
Loan to Hoffenheim and Permanent Transfer
In January 2016, Kramarić was loaned to Hoffenheim until the end of the season. He made an immediate impact, scoring the winning goal and earning a penalty in a 1-0 victory over Wolfsburg. In May 2016, Hoffenheim exercised their option to purchase Kramarić on a permanent basis.
International Career
Kramarić has represented Croatia at various youth levels, scoring 18 goals in 46 appearances. He made his senior international debut in 2014 and has since become a regular goalscorer for the team.
Achievements
Dinamo ZagrebCroatian First Football League (2): 2009/10, 2010/11
Croatian Cup (2): 2010/11, 2013/14
Croatian Super Cup: 2014
Rijeka
Croatian Cup: 2013/14
Croatian Super Cup: 2014
