Real Sociedad Welcomes Croatian International Duje Caleta-Car: A Family Legacy & Champions League Dreams

San Sebastián, Spain – In a swift and decisive move, Real Sociedad has officially secured the services of Croatian defender Duje Caleta-Car. The 26-year-old arrives from Olympique Lyonnais, instantly bolstering the Txuri-Urdin squad. This is breaking news for La Liga fans, and an exclusive interview with Caleta-Car, featured on Goazen Reala, sheds light on his rapid decision and ambitious goals. This article is optimized for Google News indexing and provides in-depth coverage of this exciting transfer.

From Sibenik to San Sebastián: A Balkan Journey

Caleta-Car’s story is one of remarkable geographical and professional movement. Born in Sibenik, Croatia – a city famed for its basketball heritage – he quickly found his passion in football. The city, known for producing talents, is also the birthplace of the legendary Drazen Petrovic. Interestingly, Caleta-Car’s father played alongside Petrovic, adding a poignant layer to his personal story. “My father played with him,” Caleta-Car revealed, “but left because at that time he had to work.” This connection to a national icon underscores the strong sporting culture ingrained in his upbringing.

His career has already taken him across Europe, with stints in Croatia, Austria, France (twice), and England. This nomadic experience has honed his adaptability and resilience, qualities that will be invaluable to Real Sociedad. The decision to join the Basque club was surprisingly quick. While at a friendly in Hamburg with Lyon, Caleta-Car received word of Real Sociedad’s interest. “I couldn’t choose a better place to be,” he stated, highlighting the club’s appeal.

Settling In: Family, City, and Champions League Ambitions

Caleta-Car is already impressed with his new surroundings. “The city is really beautiful,” he shared, having already explored the center of San Sebastián. He’s also been warmly welcomed by his new teammates. However, the transition isn’t without its challenges. He’s currently residing in a hotel while searching for a permanent home, and his family remains in Croatia. “I have two four-year-old children, and things are not so easy. You have to look for a school, the language, have trusted doctors,” he explained, emphasizing the importance of his family’s well-being.

Beyond the logistical hurdles, Caleta-Car harbors significant ambitions. “I want to go to Europe, and if it’s the Champions League, better,” he declared, setting his sights on the continent’s premier club competition. Real Sociedad, consistently a competitive force in La Liga, offers a clear pathway to achieving that goal. The club’s recent history of developing and showcasing talent, with players moving on to bigger European clubs, further solidified his decision.

A Familiar Face: Connecting with Luka Sucic

The Real Sociedad squad already features a familiar face in fellow Croatian international Luka Sucic. While Caleta-Car initially hesitated to reach out immediately, fearing potential complications with the transfer, he eventually connected with Sucic after arriving in Spain. “Luka’s words confirmed what they had told me about the club,” he said, highlighting the positive feedback he received about the team and the fan base.

Adapting to La Liga & The Heat of Competition

Caleta-Car acknowledges the challenges of adapting to a new league and a new tactical approach under the new coach. He’s also experienced the intensity of Spanish football firsthand, noting the challenging conditions in his first match. “I think I’ve never played so much moisture. The heat was unbearable,” he admitted. Despite the initial difficulties, he remains optimistic about the team’s potential and their ability to bounce back from recent draws.

The Balkan Spirit: A Winning Mentality

Caleta-Car embodies the competitive spirit often associated with Balkan athletes. He attributes this to a deep-rooted love of sport and a relentless desire to win. “I don’t know if I’m Balkan, right?” he joked, acknowledging the stereotype. His father’s stories of Drazen Petrovic – a player renowned for his unwavering dedication and relentless work ethic – further illustrate the cultural emphasis on striving for excellence.

With a runner-up finish in the 2018 World Cup, Croatia has established itself as a formidable force in international football. Caleta-Car recognizes the nation’s sporting prowess, noting the success of Croatian athletes across various disciplines. He’s proud to represent his country and eager to contribute to their continued success.

Caleta-Car’s arrival at Real Sociedad represents a significant addition to the team, bringing not only defensive solidity but also a wealth of experience and a burning desire to compete at the highest level. His journey from the basketball courts of Sibenik to the vibrant football scene of San Sebastián is a testament to his dedication and talent, and fans will be eagerly anticipating his impact on the pitch.