The 31-year-old played 21 games for the Yellow Army last season, making 37 interceptions and 99 clearances.
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Croatian defender Marko Leskovic has extended his contract with Kerala Blasters FC until 2024. The centre-back joined the Kochi-based side from GNK Dinamo Zagreb at the beginning of last season and played a pivotal role in the club’s run to the final of the Indian Super League (ISL). The 31-year-old played 21 games for the Yellow Army last season. He has experience of playing in over 150 games in the Croatian top division. He started his professional career in 2009 with the youth team of NK Osijek, made his first team debut in 2011, and went on to make 56 appearances and scored 3 times for the Croatian first division club.
Our Sporting Director is glad we managed to lock down Marko’s services for another 2️⃣ years ?️@KarolisSkinkys #Lesko2024 #YennumYellow #KBFC #കേരളബ്ലാസ്റ്റേഴ്സ് pic.twitter.com/JD0wC8K1tQ
— K e r a l a B l a s t e r s F C (@KeralaBlasters) May 6, 2022
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In 2013, Leskovic joined HNK Rijeka on a four-year contract. He went on to make 41 appearances for the club. While at HNK Rijeka, he played in the group stages of UEFA Europa League. And then, in July 2016, was switched to Dinamo Zagreb, where he was loaned out to NK Lokomotiva in January 2020 until the end of the season before joining the ISL outfit in 2021. He is an experienced defender who reads the game pretty well and has a calm head. He played 1909 minutes for the Blasters, making 37 interceptions, 99 clearances and got booked only five times.
Leskovic has represented his country at all youth national levels from U-18 to U-21. He made his debut for the Croatian senior national team against Argentina in 2014. His last international appearance was against Estonia in 2017 and he has four international caps to his name. Meanwhile KBFC had one of the best defensive units in the ISL this season, kept the most number of clean sheets (8) and conceded just 24 goals in 23 games, only Hyderabad FC and Jamshedpur FC conceded fewer goals than the Kochi-based side. “I’m excited to continue my stay with Kerala Blasters. We reached so far into the game last season, this season’s motive would be to win that cup under the guidance of our Head Coach,” says a delighted Leskovic.
“We are very pleased with Marko’s extension. He proved that he is one of the best defenders in ISL. Not only his statistics but his commitment and professionalism are great examples for everyone. We are very glad that he will continue with us. With the consistency and leadership he has, he will help improve young players and play better himself. His experience and human qualities will bring many important things to our squad. It is good to have him as part of KBFC,” KBFC head coach Ivan Vukomanovic added.
“I’m happy we reached an agreement with Marko. He is one of the best players around the league and it’s great that we were able to keep consistency and extend his stay in Kerala for at least the next two years,” said Karolis Skinkys, Sporting Director, KBFC. The Kerala outfit has already announced the contract extension of youngsters Jeakson Singh and Bijoy Varghese along with the head coach Vukomanovic.
