With great sadness and heavy hearts, we announce that on Wednesday, 8 April, our celebrated footballer, one of the symbols of our beloved club, our dear and unforgettable Srećko Bogdan has left us forever. One of the most important players in our history, beloved by fans, teammates and coaches, passed away in his hometown of Mursko Središće at the age of 70.

He began his football journey as a striker, established himself as a solid defender and in his impressive career at the Maksimir club reached the status of a Dinamo legend: he played 304 official matches and with such a record stands fifth on the all-time list of appearances in the club's history. Including friendly matches, he made 595 appearances and scored 139 goals.

Born in Mursko Središće on 5 January 1957, he came to Dinamo as an 18-year-old and initially played for the youth team. He was distinguished by his aerial ability, so he started as a striker, but spent most of his career in the defensive line. He was also known for his specific throw-in technique, where he would throw the ball deep into the penalty area.

He spent a full ten years at the Maksimir club, but was unlucky to have to serve in the army in the summer of 1981, just before the start of the victorious season in which the Blues won the championship title. He did not, therefore, formally participate in winning the 1982 title, but only played in the Cup final second leg after the last league match. However, his teammates and coach Miroslav Ćiro Blažević always considered him part of this success and the entire generation.

He also won the (un)recognised championship title in 1979 in the "Tomić case", captured the Cup in 1980, and then again as team captain in 1983. He continued his career at German club Karlsruhe where he also became one of the most notable players in the club's history and became team captain.

– Our Čeči, as we all affectionately called him, was wonderful, an extremely honest lad. We were roommates. We all know him as an excellent player, he was both a striker and centre-back, had exceptional leap, as if he "stood in the air", as they say. He knew how to score, and at the same time he protected the defence, he was good in all positions. We all loved him – highlighted Velimir Zajec, Bogdan's long-time teammate and current honorary president of Dinamo.

– This sad news has deeply affected me. We played together for a long time, went through many beautiful things together. I remember he played for Rudar from Mursko Središće and that at Dinamo he initially was a centre-forward then moved to defence under Zajec. We were truly great friends. We often saw each other here in Međimurje. A great player, great friend and great man – added former celebrated Dinamo winger Drago Vabec.

– You can rarely find such a good and noble person. He was a great centre-half for Dinamo. He was particularly valued abroad, was captain of Karlsruhe and one of their key players. He was always cheerful, with a broad smile... A noble soul, he never said a bad word about anyone. The embodiment of goodness – reflected former distinguished Dinamo captain Marko Mlinarić.