Lost in translation- two versions surface of Juranovic’s Atletico Madrid comment

Josip Juranovic appears to be the latest footballer to fall foul to a dubious translation. 

Last month there were reports that some major clubs, led by Atletico Madrid, were considering putting in an offer for the Celtic defender. 

Juranovic has made rapid progress from Hadjuk Split to Celtic via Legia Warsaw over the last two years, now established in the Croatian national side he impressed in the end of season Nations League victories away to Denmark and France. 

Continuing that progress to a club in one of the big five leagues would appear to be the logical next step but that doesn’t take account of Celtic’s unique status. 

Another season at Celtic, playing in the Champions League ahead of the World Cup Finals isn’t likely to be any handicap as Juranovic explained in an interview on Croatian television with one aspect picked up differently between Scotland and Spain. 

Spanish publisher Mundio Sportivo reported the interview as: 

But for the first time, Juranovic has spoken about Atlético. He has done it on Croatian RTL television. “I know there were some stories, but honestly I didn’t even ask my agent about it.  I didn’t care, and I have to keep my feet on the ground, even though it was Atlético Madrid after all. at a great club, Celtic,” Juranovic quickly clarified. 

In addition, the Balkan winger indicated that ” I finally have the opportunity to play the Champions League here . I only think about listening to the atmosphere, that anthem and playing on that stage”. 

Covering the same interview, the Daily Record reported: 

He said: “I hope there was something in the stories, but honestly I didn’t even ask our manager or anything about it. I didn’t care. I have to keep my feet firmly on the ground. It was Atletico Madrid after all, but I’m at a big club already, Celtic. 

“Finally I have the chance to play in the Champions League here. Just to hear the atmosphere, that anthem and to get to play on that stage. 

So the Spanish translation picked up ‘I know there were some stories’, in Scotland that was ‘I hope there was something in the stories’. 

Celtic fans will be looking forward to seeing more of Juranovic in the season ahead, if his progress continues he could well be gone next summer but there is no suggestion in his actions or comments in English that his heart is set on a move to Atletico Madrid or anywhere else.