A 13-year old Cypriot-based footballer has rejected a move to English giants Manchester City, as well as turning down an offer in the summer from Dutch first division outfit Vitesse Arnhem.

Sergej Grubac, who was born in Belgrade but whose family is from Montenegro, has been residing in Cyprus for ten years and plays for Digenis Morphou. The young striker plays for the U13s even though, due to his superior ability, sometimes appears for the U15 side.

His father, Vanja Grubac, had a spell at Digenis in his playing days as well as appearing for a number of clubs in Europe including Braga and Hamburg. He is now the assistant manager of Changchun Yatai in China, a club managed by former Ethinkos Achnas manager Svetozar Sapuric. The two worked together at the Cypriot club from 2009 to 2011.

For most, an offer from super-rich Manchester City would be met with an automatic ‘yes’ but the boy and his family are believed to have given a negative response to the Citizens as they felt it was best for Sergej to continue his development on the island for a while longer.

He also underwent a 10-day trial at Eredivisie side Vitesse in the summer where he impressed so much that the Dutch club made an official approach for him to join their academy, but the offer was turned down.

Apart from intense interest from abroad, the performances of Grubac are being closely monitored by some of biggest clubs on the island. With the youngster’s intention to stay in Cyprus for the time being, a top local club may be happy to make a move for him while he does not have a professional contract (able to sign at 18-years old), and help maximise his potential.

As is the case when a big young talent in Cyprus is emerging, the question of which nation he will choose to represent always arises.
As of yet, no nation has made an official approach for the youngster who is eligible to represent Serbia, Montenegro and, due to living here for a decade, Cyprus.

Nevertheless, if a player represents a nation up to U21 level, he is allowed to play for another nation’s senior side if eligible.
For now, Grubac is staying put but as the stock of the 13-year old continues to rise, it is certainly worth taking note of the name of this special talent.

Cyprus Mail