Ivica Šurjak

Ivica Šurjak

Personal information
Full name	Ivan Šurjak
Date of birth	(1953-03-23) 23 March 1953
Place of birth	Split, FPR Yugoslavia
Height
Position(s)	Midfielder
Senior career*
Years	Team	Apps	(Gls)
1971–1981	Hajduk Split	272	(52)
1981–1982	Paris SG	33	(11)
1982–1983	Udinese	29	(2)
1984–1985	Real Zaragoza	22	(4)
International career
1973–1982	Yugoslavia	54	(10)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals

Ivan "Ivica" Šurjak (born 23 March 1953) is a former Croatian footballer. He was the driving force behind Hajduk Split as it led the Yugoslav First League and Europe in the old stadium (before Poljud stadium was built). He started his career as a left-back, but with time learned to play total football, the prototype for the footballer who can play every position successfully.

He played 54 games for the Yugoslav national team. He continued his career in Paris and Udine but turned down offers by the New York Cosmos and Real Madrid.

He served as sports director at Hajduk Split of the Croatian First League from 1999 to 2003.

Speedboat incident

In July 1999, Šurjak killed a swimmer while driving a speedboat near the coast of Trogir (Croatia). The swimmer (Miroslav Didak) died a few days after the accident, while in a coma in the intensive care unit of the Firule hospital. Šurjak was subsequently cleared of any wrongdoing.

Career by club

• 1970 – 1981 Hajduk
• 1981 – 1982 Paris Saint-Germain
• 1982 – 1983 Udinese
• 1984 – 1985 Real Zaragoza

Accomplishments

• Champion of Yugoslavia – 1974, 1975 and 1979
• Co-champion of Yugoslavia – 1976 and 1981
• Cup winner of Yugoslavia – 1972, 1973, 1974, 1976 and 1977
• Coupe de France – 1982
• 54 caps for Yugoslavia, 10 goals scored between 1973 and 1982
• Yugoslav Footballer of the Year – 1976