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Croatia calling again for Ivo Pinto
Norwich City sporting director Stuart Webber presented Ivo Pinto with a framed photo ahead of the Team Wes v Team Russ charity game at Carrow Road Picture: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images - Credit: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd
Ivo Pinto will return to Dinamo Zagreb when his Norwich City contract officially expires in June, afer agreeing a three year deal.
Pinto made an emotional farewell from the Canaries at Monday's celebration game for Wes Hoolahan and Russell Martin but hinted afterwards his future was already sorted.
The 29-year-old's pending return to the Croatian champions was confirmed on Friday night. Pinto spent three years with Dinamo before moving to England in 2016 for a reported £2m fee.
The popular right back had fallen behind Max Aarons in the pecking order at Carrow Road, and ahead of the Championship title-clinching win at Aston Villa the club confirmed he would leave when his contract expires on June 30.
"I am very happy to be back in Dinamo," Pinto told his new club's official site. "I feel good and this is an important moment for me and my career. I spent a nice time in the English club Norwich. I'm glad the club has returned to the Premier League after three years and that is something really special.
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"I had a dream to play in the Premier League and Norwich gave me that chance. Unfortunately we got relegated but the club and the fans were amazing. When I joined they were in the Premier League. When I leave they are in the Premier League. It is something special."
Pinto was a big hit in Croatia in his first spell, making 111 appearances and winning three Croatian titles, two cups and featuring in the group stages of both the Europa League and the Champions League.
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"It was a good time for me here before," he said. "I felt loved, by the team and the supporters. I have a lot of happy memories. I remember winning a game 3-2 at Hadjuk Split after being 2-0 down. As a player I hope to improve the history of the club and make things more beautiful.
"We are now together again, I have returned and are looking forward to appearing in the Dino shirt. I will do my best to help the team and the club achieve new successes."
