Ivan Curkovic, FK Partizan Honorary President and European football legend, attended latest edition of Partizan Podcast. Sometimes known as “Gentleman in football boots”, Curkovic first arrived to Partizan back in 1964 and remained present in various forms ever after. Even when he was a goalkeeper at other clubs, he would always visit FK Partizan and help the club without second thought. Almost 60 years later, on club`s 78th birthday, Curkovic remembered what Partizan represents to him.
“Arrival to Partizan was the best decision of my life. Partizan was foundation of my career and everything that followed”, said 79-year-old Curkovic.
With Partizan, Curkovic achieved best ever success in the club`s history – 1966 European Cup final. He remembered one selfless and important decision, one that showed unity and mutual respect between then first-choice keeper Milutin Soskic and himself.
“We played first leg of quarter-finals away against Sparta Prague and I was between the posts in that game that we lost 4-1 as Soskic picked up an injury prior to the match. For a return leg, coach Gegic told me that I`ll be the first-choice again, to finish off the tie. But I replied – please don`t do it, let Soskic play if he is fit. It turned out it was a far-reaching move, Soskic didn`t have to make a single save in a 5-0 win over Sparta but he was in a semis against Man United. I would not be able to play like that, he was far more experienced at the time”.
As a club president, Curkovic set foundations of a modern-day Partizan. During his tenure, FK Partizan built Teleoptik training centre, management offices at the Partizan stadium which turned out an all-seated ground during his reign. Even a new football ground plan and deal came through only to be dubiously rejected by the city authorities. Curkovic singles out training centre, as 25 years after being built Teleoptik represents talent factory and backbone of FK Partizan as well as Serbia national team.
“It was a huge move and particular credit goes to former club general secretary Zarko Zecevic. We had long talks about it and he was hundred percent convinced of project`s success. FK Partizan fully financed it, no one else was involved. This training centre means so much to us even to this day. History shows that our youths are pivotal for club`s success”.
Partizan didn`t win domestic title for six years now, but Curkovic believes this could change soon.
“When we won lots of titles in the 90s, our bitter rivals didn`t. Now, it`s the other way around. But, our time will come again, new generation is coming through the ranks, new youngsters, it`s happening as we speak. We started the league well, we are currently top of the pile and I hope it`s time for Partizan domestic domination. Of course, good European results included”.
