Dejan Savicevic, known affectionately as Dejo, Dean, and of course, “The Genius” (with a capital `G`), was a truly exceptional football talent. His incredible prowess shone brightly during his time with Red Star Belgrade, the Yugoslav national team, and AC Milan. His devoted followers meticulously preserve memories, video clips, and memorabilia reflecting his career. An old VHS tape, originating from Belgrade television, beautifully captures the goals from his early matches with Buducnost, Red Star, and the national team. These are moments of pure footballing delirium: dazzling dribbles, explosive sprints, intricate zig-zags, and sensational moves. A Slavic commentator once famously declared, “Dean like Diego,” drawing a comparison to Maradona. The footage even includes a newspaper clipping, followed by Maradona`s “goal of the century” from the 1986 World Cup against England. Immediately after, it shows a remarkable goal by Savicevic in the Yugoslav league. While Maradona mesmerized four opponents, Savicevic outmaneuvered seven, perhaps even eight, with a series of feints and counter-feints before delicately chipping the ball over the goalkeeper – a pure rush of adrenaline. The tape concludes with a captivating scene of Savicevic juggling a ball down a stony hillside, pursued by adoring children on a pebble-strewn pitch, their mouths agape in astonishment. Dejan himself reminisces, “I learned here. I was good in Yugoslavia.”
Savicevic proudly confirmed that his success extended to Italy with AC Milan, where he won the European Cup in 1994, adding to his 1991 triumph with Red Star. He also achieved other significant victories during his career. However, he never claimed the prestigious Ballon d`Or, a fact he found “strange” given that Jean-Pierre Papin received it after Red Star`s penalty shootout victory against Marseille in Bari. That season, which ended with so many goals and entertaining matches, saw several strong candidates for the award, including Savicevic himself, yet a Frenchman ultimately won.
Years later, Luka Modric became the first Croatian (and Slavic-speaking) player from the former Yugoslavia to win the Ballon d`Or. Savicevic wholeheartedly hailed Modric as a phenomenal player who fully deserved the accolade for his outstanding achievements with both the Croatian national team and Real Madrid. When questioned about Luka Modric`s reported arrival at Milan, ostensibly following in the footsteps of Savicevic and Boban, Savicevic responded that Modric, at 40 (as presented in the article`s context), is embarking on a new challenge, pursuing what he believes is right, and his impact will undoubtedly become evident as the championship season unfolds.
Vlahovic to Milan? A Potential Game-Changer
Turning his attention to Dusan Vlahovic, Savicevic, despite admitting he had seen little Italian football this year due to his demanding commitments with the Federation and various UEFA and FIFA congresses, expressed his profound admiration for the young striker. He stated that he is familiar with Vlahovic, describing him as strong, possessing a keen sense of goal, and having considerable room for improvement. Savicevic recalled his very good performances with Fiorentina and, seemingly, under Massimiliano Allegri at Juventus. Savicevic genuinely hopes Vlahovic joins Milan, noting that such a move could mark a significant turning point for the player and prove highly beneficial for Allegri, whom he finds likable, and not solely because the coach has returned to manage Milan.
Savicevic vividly recalled his own Serie A debut in 1992 against Allegri`s Pescara, a memorable and wild 5-4 victory where Allegri ironically scored his first goal against Milan. The match was indeed crazy, he remembers it well, with Franco Baresi incredibly scoring two own goals within four minutes. Then, as was less incredible and more expected, Marco Van Basten netted three goals in his characteristic fashion. Regarding Allegri as a coach, Savicevic firmly stated that his results speak volumes: he secured a victory with Milan in his very first year and subsequently dominated at Juventus. He considers Allegri an excellent technical coach who deeply understands football, knows how to manage players, and skillfully handles various match situations. Savicevic believes Allegri will perform well in the upcoming Milan season, despite the team still being in its building phase.
Reflections on Yugoslavian Talent and Current Roles
Savicevic was also asked about Inter`s ongoing rebuilding process and the young Croatian player Petar Sucic, about whom he had heard positive things. He expressed his appreciation for the emergence of numerous young talents, such as Baturina from Como, across various leagues, finding it “beautiful to witness their growth.” He then reflected on his own era at Milan with Zvone Boban, lamenting the changes in playing pace since then but cherishing their six seasons together, which yielded Scudetti and the memorable Champions League victory in Athens against Barcelona. He emphasized that other players from the former Yugoslavia also excelled in Serie A, which he considered perhaps the best football league in the world at that time.
When reminded of Darko Pancev`s humorous claim that Savicevic would provide eight assists for Pancev`s three goals, Savicevic playfully agreed that Pancev was indeed a good center-forward. He also spoke highly of Jugovic and Mihajlovic from their Red Star days: Jugovic, a formidable player, also won two Champions League titles, just like Savicevic (one with Juventus). Sinisa Mihajlovic was remembered as a magical and wonderful player, unrivaled in his free-kick technique due to his unique approach. Mihajlovic was also a good coach, a true master, and a man of great courage, even in football, famously giving goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma his Serie A debut at just 16 years old. Savicevic expressed profound sorrow for Mihajlovic`s untimely passing. He also mentioned Dragan Stojkovic (“Pixie”), his old and dear friend who played in Verona, and expressed a wish to have seen Robert Prosinecki play against Italian defenses, believing his flair and skill would undoubtedly have captivated the fans.
Currently, Robert Prosinecki serves as Montenegro`s coach, while Savicevic holds the esteemed position of President of the Football Federation. Savicevic confirmed that work is constant, with always something new to do or discover, and that Prosinecki has been with them for a year and a half. Their schedule is perpetually busy with meetings, matches, training camps, gatherings, and various encounters. However, he`s currently enjoying a well-deserved respite in Budva, Montenegro, his cherished hometown, which he proudly refers to as “the Monte Carlo of the Balkans.” He relishes the pleasant sun, clean water, red sand, occasional boat trips, fresh fish, and a crisp white wine in the evening, concluding contentedly, “What more could I ask for?”
