The Story Continues: Anton Matković Remains One of Our White and Blues

Anton Matković has extended his contract with NK Osijek until 2028, with an option to extend it for another season. With this new contract, we confirm our trust in Anton and look forward to his return to the pitch.

Matković was born on February 19, 2006, in Slavonski Brod. He joined our Club in 2022, initially playing for the U17s and then the U19s, showing his potential. He made his first-team debut in November 2023 against Hajduk at Opus Arena, and scored his first goal that same season against Dinamo at Maksimir. He has made 56 appearances for the White and Blues so far, scoring 8 goals and providing 2 assists. He is a Croatian youth international who has represented his country at U17, U19 and U21 levels.

In April, he underwent surgery on the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee and is currently undergoing rehabilitation, which is progressing according to plan. Anton has the Club's full support throughout his recovery, and the contract extension is further confirmation of our trust in him. We look forward to the day he wears the White and Blue shirt on the pitch again.

“I'm Already Starting to Do Some Work on the Pitch”

His recovery is going very well, which is encouraging for everyone at the Club.

In five days, it will be exactly six months since my surgery. I'm glad that I was able to arrange everything regarding my rehabilitation with the Club so quickly. I can say that they were very accommodating after everyone saw that the first operation had gone well. I'm already starting to do some work on the pitch, I feel great, perhaps even better compared to the same stage of recovery after my first injury. The people at Patela have been fully dedicated to my recovery, and I already know the whole process very well myself, how everything works, so it's all somehow easier. I'll soon start returning to training, said Matković.

Your Support Gives Me Extra Motivation

Anton continues to follow our matches during his recovery, supporting his teammates and believing in the team:

I come to watch the matches and support the team. It's great to see an energetic young team that can achieve a lot. I'm very optimistic and I think we can compete for a place right near the top of the table! The boys are showing great determination and passion, and the coach is equally energetic and positive, so I believe in good results and a high league finish.

The contract extension and the support he receives from the Club mean a lot to him:

My biggest thanks go to the Club. After all, I've been through two serious injuries, and the people at NK Osijek still believe in me and give me their full support. I've also spoken with the coach, who told me he can't wait to see me back on the pitch and that he believes in me too. I'm grateful to everyone at NK Osijek. Everyone supports me and asks about my recovery, and that gives me extra motivation to do everything properly until I finally return, added Matković.

“He Is a Complete Striker”

Our Sporting Director Kenneth Zandvliet also spoke about the continuation of our cooperation with Anton:

We're delighted that Anton Matković has extended his contract! At my very first press conference, I already confirmed that I have great confidence in his exceptional attacking qualities. He is a complete striker who possesses both physical and technical qualities. Anton is recovering from a serious injury, but we expect him to return soon. He will probably rejoin the team during March or April. Once he is fully fit, he will certainly get some playing time this season, but we will bring him back gradually. With Matković, we are confident that we will also have quality at the very front of our attack next season, and he will certainly make us happy with plenty of goals. We wish him every success with us, and for now, above all, we wish him a speedy recovery! See you soon, Anton!