Mirkovic to make mark for Serbia

Former international defender Zoran Mirković is back in football after being appointed sporting director of the Serbia national team.

Highest regard
The 35-year-old was forced to retire at FK Partizan last summer because of a back injury, but had no hesitation in accepting his new role from the Football Association of Serbia (FSS). Mirković, whose distinguished career saw him win league titles in Italy with Juventus and Turkey with Fenerbahçe SK as well as with Partizan, represented his country 59 times including at the 1998 FIFA World Cup. He said: "I have always had the highest regard for the national team. I will do everything for the success of Serbian football. This is a new challenge for me and I believe I can use the experience from my playing days."

'Simple choice'
In addition to providing valuable support to Serbia coach Javier Clemente, Mirković will also work with the Under-21 side as part of his five-year contract. Zvezdan Terzić, the FSS president, said this was the first time the country had employed somebody in such a position, operating as a liaison between players and coaching staff, as well as the A and U21 selections. Terzić said: "Mirković was a very simple choice for us - he is the best. He has everything for this job - passion, love, experience, knowledge and great respect for young players."