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City outcast Drmic on chances of a summer move
On loan Norwich City striker Josip Drmic wants a big finish to a season to forget to make a late run for the Euros as part of the Switzerland squad - Credit: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Limited
Norwich City outcast Josip Drmic is playing for his future after taking the first step to a Carrow Road exit.
Drmic was deemed surplus to requirements with the Canaries but sealed a loan move last week to Croatian Europa League hopefuls HNK Rijeka until the end of the season.
The 28-year-old was the subject of enquiries from Championship duo Birmingham and Huddersfield in the closing days of the January transfer window.
But Drmic views a move to the Croatian top flight as a chance to make a late run for Switzerland’s European Championship squad.
The striker, along with midfielder Moritz Leitner, are not part of Daniel Farke’s plans, and Drmic knows this is a big chance to resurrect his career.
“I analysed some other offers, but when Rijeka appeared, I thought a little and I immediately had a very good feeling,” he said. “I was surprised when I received a call from Rijeka in the chaos of the winter transfer window. I promise only that I will give everything I can and I hope that I will gain the trust of the coach and the team.
“I expect a lot from myself and therefore Rijeka can be sure that I will give my maximum. I trained hard all the time and waited for the moment to come and to get a chance. What I’ve been missing over the past months are the pitch and the ball, and of course the games.
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"It was the Norwich coach’s decision not to count on me and that was it. I played for the development team, but the club then decided to promote the youngsters and I didn’t get another minute.
“I am aware that there will always be questions asked for a player who does not play, but I believe I will quickly show the quality I have.”
Drmic’s debut for his loan club could come against Hajduk Split on Wednesday. The former Bundesliga star is under contract at Norwich until 2022, but open to a permanent move.
“It's too early to talk about it,” he said, speaking to Croatian daily sports newspaper, Sportske Novosti. “I’m concentrating on this moment, I haven’t practically trained with the first team yet. We go step by step, if I am happy and satisfied and if Rijeka is happy with me all options are open.
“The Euros is one of my goals, my wish and one of the reasons why I came to Rijeka.
"I really missed football and matches and I just want to get back on the pitch as soon as possible, show my quality and I hope in the end, if possible, to win a position among the squad at the European Championships.
"I like the league. This season, Dinamo and Rijeka have proven in European competitions that they can compete with European teams. I have to admit that lately I’ve been avoiding watching football a bit because I missed it so much and then I devoted myself to some other things. I trained, kept fit and pursued hobbies I love.”
