Jerko Leko

Football player infobox
playername = Jerko Leko


fullname = Jerko Leko
dateofbirth = birth date and age|1980|4|9
cityofbirth = Zagreb
countryofbirth = SFR Yugoslavia
height = height|m=1.87
currentclub = AS Monaco
clubnumber = 23
position = Midfielder
youthyears =
youthclubs =
years = 1999–2000
2000–2002
2002–2006
2006–
clubs = Croatia Sesvete
Dinamo Zagreb
Dynamo Kyiv
AS Monaco
caps(goals) = --
41 (4)
62 (7)
44 (1)
nationalyears = 2002–
nationalteam = Croatia
nationalcaps(goals) = 56 (2)
pcupdate = 28 August 2006
ntupdate = September 10 2008

Jerko Leko (born April 9, 1980 in Zagreb) is a Croatian footballer who currently plays for Monegasque club AS Monaco FC. He is known for his versatility, and can play anywhere in midfield.

Club career

Leko's career began with NK Dinamo Zagreb in 2000 in his native Croatia, although he was not an immediate success. After spending some time on loan at NK Croatia Sesvete, he became a regular starter in 2001/2002, helping Dinamo Zagreb win the Croatian Cup, scoring in the final against NK Varteks and being named Man of the Match. Leko eventually moved to Dynamo Kyiv in 2002 for €4m (a then club record). In his first season in Ukraine, Dynamo won the double, with Leko playing 18 times.

In February 2006, it was announced that Leko would be leaving Dynamo Kyiv, having turned down a new contract offer. He subsequently signed for AS Monaco on a free transfer on June 4, 2006.

On June 3 2008 it was reported that Leko was a potential transfer target for Scottish champions Celtic FC. It was said that Leko had spoken to fellow Croatian and former striker of Celtic's rivals Glasgow Rangers, Dado Pršo, who had advised him that it would be a good move. [ [http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/c/celtic/7433311.stm Pršo talks up Celtic move to Leko] ]

Recently Chelsea and A.Madrid have also been linked with midfielder, but Everton have emerged as late favourites after a very slow summer for the sleeping giants. Although any sign of transfer movement would be welcome at Goodison Park one outspoken fan (Ezy) is close to suicide after another 'no frills' player is linked.

International career

Leko made his Croatia debut in 2002 against Hungary, but was not included in the 2002 World Cup squad. He scored a goal in a 4-0 victory against Belgium in a Euro 2004 qualifier, and was included in the the final stage's squad, but only played 22 minutes during the tournament.

Selected to represent the nation in the 2006 World Cup, Leko made two substitute appearances, against Brazil and Australia. He was also part of the final squad for Euro 2008.

At the tournament quarter final clash between Croatia and Turkey, Leko was supposed to make his first appearance in the competition as a late substitute as Slaven Bilic wanted to put him on to hold on for a Croatian victory. However, officiating referee Roberto Rosetti disallowed the substitution from occurring as he also allowed Turkey an extra 2 minutes to find a late equalizer to send the game to a penalty shootout which Turkey eventually won.

References

External links

* [http://www.fcdynamo.kiev.ua/club/players/?id=33 Dynamo Kiev profile] languageicon|uk/ru|Ukrainian & Russian