Dani Olmo explains why he left Barcelona for Dinamo Zagreb: ‘Everyone has their own story’

Dani Olmo will face Croatia in a Spain shirt, bringing an interesting personal connection to the international fixture after spending six years developing his career at Dinamo Zagreb.

The Barcelona midfielder established himself in Croatian football before returning to Spain, making the encounter a notable one given the role the country played in his rise.

Olmo joined Dinamo Zagreb as a teenager after leaving Barcelona's famed La Masia academy.

His decision to move abroad proved pivotal, giving him regular first-team opportunities and helping him develop into an established international.

His performances in Croatia eventually attracted interest from across Europe, with his progress laying the foundations for his subsequent move to RB Leipzig and eventual return to Barcelona.

Olmo's six years at Zagreb shaped his career

Dinamo Zagreb provided Olmo with the platform to make the transition from promising academy prospect to senior professional.

The midfielder has spoken about the importance of that period in his career, describing the club and the country as places that helped shape him both professionally and personally.

Dani Olmo's return to Croatia will be very emotional. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

"It's going to be a very special game for me.

"I spent six years of my life here, and it's a country that has given me almost everything as a footballer and as a person. These are wonderful feelings."

Olmo also explained why he chose Dinamo when discussing the move that changed the direction of his career.

"Everyone has their own story and their own reasons. What led me to make the decision to come to Dinamo was their interest in having me, the vision they had for me.

"It was one of the best moments I've experienced in my career."

Despite spending a significant part of his development in Croatia, Olmo ultimately pursued his ambition of playing for Spain at international level.

His time in Zagreb made him familiar with Croatian football, but representing Spain remained his priority.

Dani Olmo could have played for Croatia. (Photo by Jose Manuel Alvarez Rey/Getty Images)

The midfielder acknowledged that playing for Croatia was a possibility, but made his international preference clear.

"It was a possibility, but my dream was always to play with Spain".

Olmo's familiarity with Croatian football gives him a personal connection to the opposition, although his importance to Spain will ultimately depend on his role and performance on the pitch.

Beyond his emotional return to the country, the Barcelona midfielder also praised Lamine Yamal's development, highlighting the teenager's growing influence for club and country.

"After each match, he looks better and more mature. At the start of this season, he's helping us both with our play and scoring goals.

"He's a very important player for both Barça and the Spanish national team," he concluded.