Seventeen years after Gustavo Lopez intoxicated Buducnost fans with his dribbling, the "blue and white" have a new Argentine.
There were more "gauchos" under Gorica in the meantime, it remains to be seen whether Lionel Strumija - a player with a famous name, will leave at least a similar mark.
He won't have much time, as he is quite old - 32, but his experience and adaptability may be an advantage.
He has an enviable European career, having played in Latvia (Liepaja and Riga), Kazakhstan (Aktobe) and Cyprus (AEL Limassol).
In most clubs he was the captain, therefore - the leader.
"Of course I heard about the club, I was especially interested when the possibility of coming arose and many players I played with or against told me about the club, the history, the fans...", Lionel Strumija, who shared the dressing room with Mihailo Tomković in Liepaja, Latvia, seven or eight years ago - the former captain of Buducnost, today an assistant in the coaching staff, told the club's website.
"We've known each other for a long time, we were champions in Latvia together, we're great friends. He told me a lot of good things about the club and the team and I know that the decision to come to Budućnost and Podgorica was the right one."
Lionel Strumija plays in the position of the last midfielder - he is short in stature, but he is characterized by aggression.
In Aktobe, he played with another former Buducnost player, Miloš Raičković. Together they won the Kazakhstan Cup.
"I was lucky to play in different leagues and countries, I had a great time everywhere and I settled in well, and Aktobe was definitely the environment where I enjoyed football the most. People love me there, because we won that trophy after many years... I have a great relationship with Miloš, we are friends, we talk non-stop, and he also told me positive things about the club and the city. It was easy for me to make the decision."
Recommendations from former teammates brought Lionel to Podgorica...
"I only arrived the other day, but I see a great atmosphere among the players, and that's important for the team. I've also heard incredible stories about the fans, and that's the best thing in football. As for me, I will always do my best and help the team achieve its goals," he says of Budućnost's preparations in Slovenia.
He is the third signing for Buducnost in the summer transfer window, after the signing of two returnees - Milan Vušurović and Miomir Đuričković.
The Podgorica team is preparing for a double match with the Armenian champion, Team Noah, in the first round of Champions League qualifying.
"These are matches that every football player prepares for, wants to play in them and achieve a great result. We know what this match means to us, but we also know how good the opponent is. We will do everything to prepare in the best possible way and to make all Buducnost fans happy. Noa is a great team, but so are we," concluded Lionel Strumija.
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