Nikola Šafarić

Nikola Šafarić

Personal information
Full name	Nikola Šafarić
Date of birth	11 March 1981 (1981-03-11) (age 30)
Place of birth	Čakovec, SFR Yugoslavia (now Croatia)
Height	1.66 m (5 ft 5 in)
Playing position	Midfielder
Club information
Current club	Kaposvári Rákóczi FC
Number	8
Youth career
	NK Venera Sveti Juraj na Bregu
	NK Čakovec
Senior career*
Years	Team	Apps†	(Gls)†
1998–2007	NK Varteks	195	(40)
2007–2008	NK Rijeka	34	(2)
2008–2010	NK Slaven Belupo	51	(3)
2010–2011	NK Varaždin	47	(6)
2011–	Kaposvári Rákóczi FC	6	(1)
National team
1998–1999	Croatia U–17	10	(3)
1999–2000	Croatia U–19	8	(0)
2000–2004	Croatia U–21	17	(1)
2004–2006	Croatia	3	(0)
* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only and correct as of 30 October 2011. † Appearances (Goals).

Nikola Šafarić (born 11 March 1981) is a Croatian football midfielder, who is currently playing for Kaposvár.

Club career

Early years

In 1998 Šafarić started his football career in Varaždin for NK Varteks as a young 17-year-old midfielder. He quickly established himself as irreplaceable in the NK Varteks team. Before his 20th birthday he has already played around 40 league games for NK Varteks and scoring several goals in the process. Everybody could agree that there is a great future in front of him.

Best years in NK Varteks

From the season 2002–2003 Nikola finally stepped up on the big scene. He became a first team regular in NK Varteks and in the next 5 seasons he scored 32 goals in the domestic league only. His good games as well as passion for football and leadership ability could not go unnoticed so he was appointed as team`s captain. Nikola Šafarić is also a great penalty and free kick taker and although he could play every possible position in the midfield he says he "plays best as a defensive midfielder."^[1]

NK Rijeka

In the beginning of season 2007–2008 Nikola Šafarić was sold to NK Rijeka. In NK Rijeka Nikola was welcomed by many as a great acquisition. He instantly "grabbed" first team position and was one of teams best players by scoring two goals and adding three more assists which helped NK Rijeka finish 4th in the Prva HNL.

NK Slaven Belupo

On 31 August 2008 Nikola signed a 2 year contract with NK Slaven Belupo.^[2]

Kaposvár

He signed to Kaposvár in 2011.

International career

Nikola Šafarić was a member of every Croatia national football team categories (U17, U19, U21, senior team).^[3] That's why he was predicted a great international club career. But, unfortunately, up to this date Nikola has made only three appearances for Croatia national football team. His international debut came against Israel in the 1–0 friendly win at Varaždin on 18 August 2004. His second and third international cap came on 2006 Carlsberg Cup in Hong Kong on which Croatia finished third.

References

1. ^ Interview with Forza Fiume
2. ^ Šafarić signs for Slaven Belupo
3. ^ Croatia`s national football team stats

External links

• Nikola Šafarić at nogometni-magazin (Croatian)
• Nikola Šafarić international stats at the Croatian Football Federation website

Persondata
Name	Safaric, Nikola
Alternative names
Short description	footballer
Date of birth	11 March 1981
Place of birth	Čakovec, Croatia, SFR Yugoslavia
Date of death
Place of death