The rich football biography of former Mogren all-rounder Ardijan Đokaj can be described in many ways, in a hundred ways, with a thousand words. And in one sentence - he was an athlete from head to toe and a man who simply conquered every step of the way with his behavior, and not only on the field. And as such, it is logical that he was also a great favorite of the audience - in Budućnost he was the idol of many fans, he successfully proved his magnificent talent in Crvena zvezda, where he also won the sympathy of the audience in a short time. At one time, he also tried out in the jersey of the young national team of FR Yugoslavia, and there is a long list of clubs for which Đokaj played abroad.
That's why it's not surprising that the former Mogren footballer is still gathering impressions after the decision to end his career. The injury, however, was stronger than the great desire, and chronic problems with the muscle (calf) many times caused the disappointment of Đokaj, his family and teammates, and the disbelief of many football fans. After a lot of trouble, the 32-year-old footballer decided to put an end to it, to close the vicious circle...
"I could have continued, but in 15-20 days I might feel the same problem again. I am no longer ready for something like that, even in a psychological sense. I am also grateful to the doctor of Vojvodina, Borko Vukosav, and the local doctor, former athlete Aco Vujičić," says Đokaj in an interview for "Vijesti".
It was easy to guess from his words that the decision was not easy at all, and Đokaj succinctly explained how he was feeling at the moment...
"There was no one in my shoes!"
The decision, however, is final...
"I'm stubborn when I decide something, I had a thousand reasons to end my career. These days, I'm getting calls from practically all over the world. I'm also grateful to all the clubs I played in, and there were a lot of them, even 14, and I can really I appreciate that I have many friends. Everyone tells me to "Grill your teeth, hold out for another year". I still think that this is a good decision, life goes on. I am also grateful to the media, which always followed me in the most correct way. I am leaving football, to whom I gave a lot, and he gave me back enough. I'm only sorry that everything didn't last another year or two... My whole life has been permeated by football, through it I also met my wife, with whom I have a four-year-old son," Đokaj added.
Although he spent most of his career abroad, the former Mogren footballer ended his career in Budva (previously, after returning to Montenegro, he played half a season in the Budućnosti jersey).
"At Mogren, I had the privilege of winning the title, before that I won only one trophy, namely the Cup of Montenegro with the Mladost team. I am grateful to the people of Mogren - directors Bor Lazović and Ilija Radjenović for their great understanding and support. Many thanks to Mogren, for Lugovi, I was well received by the club, players and fans - said the former all-rounder of the "yellows".
In a kind of recapitulation, Đokaj recalled his football beginnings, and singled out two coaches.
"I took my first steps with Anto Miročević, while Božo-Keca Vuković helped me when it was the most difficult. I won the aforementioned Cup with him while I was playing for Mladost. Keca is like a father to me, we spoke often when I was playing in abroad," Đokaj concluded.
The manager's career begins
Đokaj remains in the world of football, and his managerial career has only just begun...
"I will work as an agent in the agency represented by Falji Ramadani, Igor Gluščević and Nikola Damjanac. I accepted that invitation with open arms, I know that Gluščević is a phenomenal guy, because we have gotten to know each other better lately. I will follow younger players, I am sure that I will find myself in to a new job. I'm moving to Belgrade in a few days, but of course I'll stay here often, and I'll also follow our clubs and players," says Đokaj.
At the beginning of his new job, yesterday's football player has one special wish...
"More than anything, I would like to launch our boys from Dečić, and the club already has 2-3 phenomenal players. It would be nice if they change the middle and experience even greater affirmation," Đokaj concluded.
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