On how many occasions are the inevitable words of ‘It was too hard to ignore’ heard from the newest star to be snapped up by a Manchester United, Liverpool, Real Madrid or Barcelona of this realm? The dangers of the game’s ‘food chain’ become apparent as soon as an agent detects even the smallest scent of a transfer rumour to one of Europe’s glistening lights, and it is simply a instinctive reaction to become flattered with the mounting attention, but Nikola Zigic’s ‘homecoming’ to Racing Santander has sparked a resurrection in his career after experiencing the brutal, often harsh, trait of a big-money transfer.
The signs of a swift departure from Valencia have been in motion ever since he set foot in the Mestalla in the summer months of 2007 for €20 million. Unfortunately destiny never granted Zigic the colossal, potentially one-shot, opportunity to collect medals and honours in the colours of a famous name to coincide with the zenith years of his career. However, given the miniature duration of a profession in the sport, limiting the lifetime of a forward to around fifteen years at the most, and the fact his 29th birthday is fast-approaching this September means the decision to leave was initiated at exactly the correct time. With one season of frustration suffered as a peripheral figure having failed in his attempts to force his name into either Ronald Koeman or Unai Emery’s starting eleven strategy, doubt must have arisen in Zigic’s mind when no-one other than Racing arrived and left with all three points in a stunning 4-2 victory at the start of the season.
Racing Santander might not oust Valencia in the conquest for global reputation or trophies, but with the current financial meltdown there certain to see the sale of one star player if not more, Zigic will feel extremely satisfied to reacquaint himself with the pitch and embark on a fresh goalscoring frenzy for a club deemed stable.
Nicknamed ‘The Doctor’ or Eastern Europe’s own response to Peter Crouch, Zigic has surpassed initial expectations on his return to the Estadio El Sardinero and signified a character worth every penny that Valencia parted ways with. The six-month loan deal has proved valuable for both parties and no excuses of a required ‘settling-in’ period can be thrown in the direction of Zigic, who has acclimatized spontaneously and instinctively scored eight goals in ten appearances – seven more than in his entire 18-month Los Che stay.
The future remains uncertain for the immensely-figured frontman and while he will be concentrating on the season’s dwindling matches, breaking double figures so hastily could alert English clubs to his availability and leave Racing with a battle if Zigic is to extend his career on the northern coast of Spain. I for one would be surprised if he does not try and force through a permanent transfer, after all it appears he has settled and transformed from a desolate, bench-consigned individual to a rejuvenated, dexterous target-man who could return as an imperative ingredient in Serbia’s bid for qualification for the World Cup – exactly as he did in 2006.
An evaluation of a lengthy, illustrious career is not always based on the medal count – it would be foolish to conclude that winning domestic leagues and continental cups are the only attributes in distinguishing a talented footballer, of course it helps but surely the basic desires of first-team football and manufacturing an impact are far superior than racking up endless trophies from the bench. As Robbie Keane commented after leaving Liverpool, "It wouldn't mean a lot (to get a Premier League title winner's medal this season), and even if I was still there, in and out of the side, it probably wouldn't mean that much, either. As a player you always want to be part of it and involved.” Whether Zigic’s chance of stardom has been missed remains unclear, as a professional sports person his endurance at Valencia only brought disappointment and a Copa del Rey decoration that he contributed to minimally, re-discovering his feet so potently and maintaining this impressive form at Racing over the coming years would be far more outstanding and memorable.
As for all the frustrations at Valencia, the costly arrival of Zigic is verification of the failings of recent managers, who have lavishly undergone player reformations, and the consequences of them have left a gaping hole in the club’s financial wellbeing. The incoming of Zigic surely stands as the most noteworthy disappointment, especially as they will struggle to recoup the vast €20m, but others, such as Ever Banega [currently on-loan at Atletico Madrid after struggling in his €18m opening season, still only 20 mind], closely rival the Serb as capital invested defectively.
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