 |
Ivica Dragutinovic (Drago)Football player
Date of Birth: 13.11.1975
Country:  Serbia |
Content:
- Early Life and Career in Serbia
- Move to Belgium and Success with Gent
- Transfer to Standard Liège and EU Citizenship
- Offer from Sevilla and International Recognition
- Nickname and Impact on Sevilla
Early Life and Career in Serbia
Ivića Dragutinović, a Serbian footballer, was born in Prijepolje, Serbia. He began his professional career with the local club FK Prijepolje in 1993-94, before moving to FK Borac Čačak two years later.
Move to Belgium and Success with Gent
In 1996, Dragutinović left war-torn Serbia for Belgium, joining KAA Gent. Over four seasons, he amassed 94 appearances and scored 12 goals for the club.
Transfer to Standard Liège and EU Citizenship
In 2000, Dragutinović moved to Standard Liège for a fee of €2.2 million. He quickly established himself as a key player, appearing in over 200 matches over five years. During this time, he also acquired EU citizenship.
Offer from Sevilla and International Recognition
Dragutinović's performances attracted interest from several clubs in top European leagues. The most compelling offer came from Sevilla FC, who signed him for €2.1 million. With Serbia (formerly Yugoslavia), Dragutinović made over 40 international appearances. He was part of the "Fantastic Four" defensive quartet alongside Nemanja Vidić, Mladen Krstajić, and Ivan Gavračinčić, which conceded only one goal in the qualifiers for the 2006 FIFA World Cup.
Nickname and Impact on Sevilla
At Sevilla, Dragutinović became a mainstay in the defense. He adopted the tradition of wearing a nickname on his shirt, choosing "Drago" after the character played by Dolph Lundgren. Known for his strength and determination, he played a significant role in Sevilla's success during his eight-year tenure, including winning the UEFA Europa League in 2006 and 2007.
