Mirko Vučinić facts for kids

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Mirko Vučinić
Personal information
Vučinić playing for Montenegro in 2012
Full name	Mirko Vučinić
Date of birth	(1983-10-01) 1 October 1983 (age 41)
Place of birth	Nikšić, SFR Yugoslavia
Height	1.87 m
Playing position	Forward
Youth career
1998–1999	Sutjeska Nikšić
2000–2002	Lecce
Senior career*
Years	Team	Apps^†	(Gls)^†
1999–2000	Sutjeska Nikšić	9	(3)
2000–2006	Lecce	111	(34)
2006–2011	Roma	147	(46)
2011–2014	Juventus	75	(21)
2014–2017	Al Jazira	29	(27)
Total		371	(131)
National team
2005–2006	Serbia and Montenegro	3	(0)
2007–2017	Montenegro	46	(17)
Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only. † Appearances (Goals).

Mirko Vučinić (born 1 October 1983) is a former professional footballer from Montenegro. He played as a forward. Mirko was known for being quick, strong, and very creative on the field. He had great technique and could shoot powerfully from far away. After his football career, he started playing golf professionally in 2018.

Vučinić first caught the eye of Lecce, an Italian club, and joined them in 2000. He played for Lecce as they moved between Italy's top leagues, Serie A and Serie B. His best season there was in 2004–05, when he scored 19 goals in 28 games. In 2006, he moved to Roma, where he won the Coppa Italia (Italian Cup) twice. Later, he joined Juventus in 2011 and helped them win three Serie A titles in a row. In 2014, he moved to Al Jazira in the UAE.

For his country, Vučinić played for the Serbia and Montenegro under-21 team. He was supposed to play for Serbia and Montenegro in the 2006 World Cup, but an injury stopped him. After Montenegro became independent in 2006, Vučinić chose to play for his home country, Montenegro.

Club Career Highlights

Starting Out in Football

Vučinić began his football journey at his hometown club, Sutjeska Nikšić. When he was just 16, in the summer of 2000, he was signed by Lecce in Italy. The person who brought him to Lecce, Pantaleo Corvino, was known for finding talented young players from Eastern Europe.

In his fourth season with Lecce, when he was 21, Vučinić had an amazing year. He scored 19 goals in 28 Serie A games. This included scoring three goals in one match against Lazio in May 2005. After this great season, his progress slowed down a bit due to injuries.

Playing for Roma

On 30 August 2006, Vučinić joined Roma on a one-year loan. Roma had the option to buy him later. He signed a contract that would increase his salary over the years.

First Season at Roma (2006–07)

During his first year in Rome, Vučinić didn't play much. He had two knee operations. Also, the team's main striker was European Golden Boot winner Francesco Totti, which meant less playing time for Vučinić. Even so, he scored three important goals. His first goal for Roma was in a 1–0 win against Siena. He also scored his first UEFA Champions League goal in a 2–1 win against Manchester United.

Becoming a Key Player (2007–08)

At the start of the 2007–08 season, Roma bought half of Vučinić's player rights from Lecce. He chose to wear the No. 9 jersey, which was a famous number at Roma.

Since Francesco Totti often played as the main striker, Vučinić started playing as a left winger. He scored his first goal of the season in a 2–1 Champions League win against Sporting CP. This goal helped Roma get important points.

When Francesco Totti was injured, Vučinić played as a striker against Milan. He scored the only goal in that game, helping Roma win. He also scored a goal and assisted another in a 3–2 win against city rivals Lazio. Another key goal was a header against Real Madrid at their stadium, the Santiago Bernabéu. This goal secured a 2–1 win and helped Roma move to the next round of the Champions League.

Full Ownership and More Goals (2008–09)

In June 2008, Roma fully bought Vučinić from Lecce. On 4 November 2008, he scored two goals in a Champions League match against Chelsea, helping Roma win 3–1. Roma reached the round of 16 but lost to Arsenal in a penalty shootout.

Strong Comeback (2009–10)

In June 2009, Vučinić signed a new four-year contract with Roma. The 2009–10 Serie A season started slowly for Roma. Their coach resigned after two losses. Vučinić was even booed by fans early on. However, he scored his first goal of the season against Bologna. After that win, Roma went on a 24-match unbeaten run in the league. Vučinić's improved form and goals helped Roma challenge for the league title. He scored three goals against Udinese and two goals in a big win against rivals Lazio.

Challenges and Departure (2010–11)

The 2010–11 season started well for Vučinić. He scored a winning goal against defending champions Inter Milan. However, as the season went on, his form dropped. He missed some easy chances in important games, which showed his confidence was low. Roma also struggled as a team that season.

Moving to Juventus

Vučinić in action for Juventus

On 30 July 2011, Juventus signed Vučinić for €15 million from Roma. He signed a four-year deal. He scored his first goal for Juventus on 21 August 2011 in a friendly match against AC Milan.

Winning the League (2011–12)

Vučinić scored a fantastic goal from 32 meters away in extra time against Milan in March 2012. This helped Juventus draw 2–2 and win 4–3 on total goals to reach the 2012 Coppa Italia final. He played a key role as Juventus won the Serie A title that season.

More Success (2012–13)

Vučinić's second season at Juventus started very well. He was a vital player in many games. His first Serie A goal came against Udinese in September 2012. By the end of the year, he had scored 4 goals and made 4 assists. In January 2013, he scored a goal in the 96th minute against AC Milan to send Juventus to the semi-finals of the Coppa Italia.

Final Season at Juventus (2013–14)

In his last season with Juventus, Vučinić continued to contribute. In May 2014, during a Europa League semi-final match against Benfica, he was sent off for an argument with an opponent, even though he was on the substitutes' bench at the time.

Playing in the UAE with Al Jazira

On 4 July 2014, Vučinić joined UAE Pro League team Al Jazira. He had a very successful first season, scoring 27 goals in 24 matches. He finished as the top scorer in the league. However, he faced many injuries in the following seasons, which limited his playing time. He left the club in July 2017.

International Career

Playing for Serbia and Montenegro

Vučinić was chosen to play for the Serbia and Montenegro under-21 national team. He was one of only two players from Montenegro selected for the senior team at the 2006 FIFA World Cup. However, he injured his knee in a match against Germany in May 2006. Because of this injury, he could not play in the World Cup.

Representing Montenegro

After Montenegro became an independent country in June 2006, a new national team was formed. Vučinić decided to play for his home country, Montenegro. He scored the very first goal in the history of the Montenegro national team. This was a penalty kick in their first international match on 24 March 2007, a 2–1 friendly win against Hungary.

He has played a total of 46 matches for Montenegro and scored 17 goals. His last international game was a friendly match against Iran in June 2017.

Playing Style

Mirko Vučinić was a quick, strong, and very skilled player. He could score goals and create chances for his team. He was able to play in many attacking positions, including as a winger on either side, a main striker, or a deep-lying striker.

He was praised for his vision, intelligence, and accurate short passes, which helped him create opportunities for his teammates. His movement on the field helped create space for others. He was also good at dribbling and keeping the ball, even when under pressure. Vučinić was known for his powerful long-range shots with both feet. Even though he was tall, he wasn't especially strong at heading the ball.

When he was young, people called him "the Balkan Maradona" because of his talent. However, sometimes he was criticized for being inconsistent in his play.

Honours

Roma

Coppa Italia: 2006–07, 2007–08
Supercoppa Italiana: 2007

Juventus

Serie A: 2011–12, 2012–13, 2013–14
Supercoppa Italiana: 2012, 2013

Individual Awards

Montenegrin Footballer of the Year: 2006, 2007, 2008, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013
UAE Pro-League Top-scorer: 2014–15

Golf Career

After a serious injury he got while playing football in the UAE, Vučinić played only a couple more football matches for his national team. He then started an amateur golf career and took part in several competitions. In 2018, he became a professional golfer and joined the Princess Milica Golf Club in Tivat.

Images for kids

Vučinić playing for Montenegro in 2012
Vučinić in action for Juventus