A fan theory suggests Inter Milan have the upper hand in their Champions League final clash against Manchester City because they have a Croatian in their squad.
Since the 2013 final at Wembley, when Mario Mandzukic helped Bayern Munich lift European football's biggest prize with a goal against Borussia Dortmund, a player from Croatia has featured in every cup-winning squad.
Luka Modric, who has lifted five Champions League trophies with Real Madrid in 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2022, is very familiar with the showpiece event, as is former Los Blancos teammate Mateo Kovacic.
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But this time, it will be 30-year-old midfielder Marcelo Brozovic in the final after Inter Milan beat rivals AC in Tuesday night's semi-final at the San Siro.
As a result of Brozovic's appearance in next month's final, fans are talking about the famous Champions League winning streak involving Croatians.
One said: "Brozovic I beg you to keep the streak running," while another commented: "Croatia’s last hope to keep their incredible Champions League winning streak alive. There’s only one Marcelo Brozovic."
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A third wrote: "The Croatian luck is our only hope now. Save us MARCELO BROZOVIC!!!"
A fourth added: "Man City don’t have a Croatian, Inter Milan do."
Here is a full list of Croatians who have been involved in the Champions League final since 2013:
2013 – Mario Mandzukic [Bayern Munich]
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2014 – Luka Modric [Real Madrid]
2015 – Ivan Rakitic [Barcelona]
2016 – Luka Modric, Mateo Kovacic [Real Madrid]
2017 – Luka Modric, Mateo Kovacic [Real Madrid], Mario Mandzukic [Juventus]
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2018 – Luka Modric, Mateo Kovacic [Real Madrid], Dejan Lovren [Liverpool]
2019 – Dejan Lovren [Liverpool]
2020 – Ivan Perisic [Bayern Munich]
2021 – Mateo Kovacic [Chelsea]
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2022 – Luka Modric [Real Madrid]
2023 – Marcelo Brozovic [Inter Milan]
Although they lack a Croatian in their squad, Manchester City will be favourites to lift their first Champions League title on June 10 after a resounding 5-1 aggregate win over reigning champions Real Madrid.
Goals from Bernardo Silva [2], Manuel Akanji and Julian Alvarez sealed the convincing second-leg win at the Etihad.
Do you think Inter Milan can overcome the odds and beat City in the final?
Let us know in the comments.
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Topics: Inter Milan, Manchester City, Champions League, Croatia
Jack Kenmare