Nikica Jelavic

Nikica Jelavic (Croatian pronunciation: [nikitsa jelaʋitɕ]; born 27 August 1985) is a Croatian former professional footballer who played as a forward.

Jelavic began his career with Croatian side Hajduk Split of the Prva HNL in 2002, before moving to Belgian Pro League club Zulte Waregem in 2007. A year later, he moved to Austrian Bundesliga club Rapid Wien. In 2010, he was signed by Rangers, with whom he won the Scottish Premier League and the Scottish League Cup in his first season. He moved to England with Everton in January 2012, and Hull City two years later.

Jelavic is a former Croatian international, debuting in 2009 and retiring in 2014. He represented the country at UEFA Euro 2012 and the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

Club Career

Early career

Jelavic was born in Capljina, SR Bosnia and Herzegovina, SFR Yugoslavia and started his youth career at his local side GOSK Gabela, which plays in the Bosnian league system. His career took a more serious turn when he moved to the nearby cross-border club in Croatia, NK Neretva from the town of Metkovic, managed by Branko Gutic.

Hajduk Split

At the encouragement of Ante Prco, Ivan Gudelj, Drazen Muzinic and Vilson Dzoni, Jelavic was brought to Hajduk Split's junior side at the age of 15. He played his first match for Hajduk's senior side in the Prva HNL at the age of 17. During his time at Hajduk, he suffered a lot of injuries which prevented him to make more appearances for the squad. After he recovered from the injuries, he became a first team regular in the 2006–07 Prva HNL season. Despite him playing the whole season, he only managed five league goals and was transfer listed at the end of the season.

Zulte Waregem

In July 2007, Jelavic signed for Belgian First Division club Zulte Waregem.

This page also has a version in other languages :  Никица Елавич (russian)