Player Profile: Aleksandar Kolarov

By: Franco | August 3rd, 2009

Full name: Aleksandar Kolarov
Date of birth: 10th November 1985 (age 23)
Place of birth: Belgrade, Yugoslavia
Height: 1.87 m
Playing position: Left Back
Previous Shirt Number: 3
Current Shirt Number: 11
Career to date:
2003 until 2006 – FK Čukarički – 44 appearances (2 Goals)
2006 until 2007 – OFK Beograd – 38 appearances (5 Goals)
2007 until Present – S.S. Lazio – 49 appearances (3 Goals, including a glorious Derby Goal)

Kolarov began his career in his homeland of Serbia with FK Čukarički. Kolarov’s switch from FK Čukarički to OFK Beograd in February 2006, during the 2005/06 season winter break, was highly controversial. Under contract with Čukarički at the time, Kolarov filed a request to be released dated January 31, 2006 on the grounds that his “contract just expired” even though it was good until January 2007. Soon after his request, Kolarov’s desire to join OFK Beograd became public. Seeing that they had a disgruntled player on their hands, Čukarički set a €300,000 transfer fee for Kolarov due to the fact he still had one more year left on his contract with the club. OFK on the other hand did not even acknowledge this and simply signed Kolarov without paying any fee. Over the coming years Čukarički took the case in front of Serbian Football Association, where all of their official complaints got rejected. Tough luck if you ask me.

In the summer of 2007, Kolarov secured a four-year deal with Italian giants Lazio. Kolarov claims that he is a long time supporter of the club and costs them a reported 800,000 transfer fee.

The Serbians first year at Lazio was a successful one as he proved himself and stamped his mark in the left back position where he still currently resides. Other than that, he is known for his free kicks and rocket left foot shots on goal as he is a natural Left footer. He has pace, speed, stamina, tacking ability, a decent shot and above all a love for Lazio.

On top of his fantastic first year, Kolarov also received some UEFA Champions League experience but his long awaited dream is only short lived as Lazio failed to progress past the horrid group stages.

In the Serbians 2nd season with Lazio, he established himself further as Lazio’s first choice at left back, scoring a spectacular goal against Lecce at the Stadio Via del Mare. It got even better for the Serb in the second Derby della Capitale of the season – With Lazio 3-2 up, Kolarov received the ball in defence from goalkeeper Fernando Muslera and proceeded to run the length of the pitch virtually unopposed. Having run 85 metres, Kolarov then slotted the ball past a hapless Doni in the Roma goal. Lazio that night ran out 4-2 winners… just for the record!!!

We Laziale did receive a scare durring this current transfer period as Inter were supposedly keen on the Serb but thankfully Lotito showed them the door and has regarded him as off limits. Kolarov himself reinstated his loyality to his beloved club, where we all hope he will remain for the years to come.

For the 2009-10 season, Kolarov has switched his shirt number from 3 to 11, wearing the number previously worn by fellow Serb Siniša Mihajlović, who possessed similar characteristics to Kolarov. He is currently preparing for a big season ahead and is expected to start this Saturday against rivals Inter in China for the Italian Super Cup.

Kolarov was also a part of the successful Serbia under-21 side which reached the final of the 2007 U-21 Championships held in the Netherlands. As a key member of that side, Kolarov was named in the UEFA Team of the tournament and in the semi-final clash with Belgium, he scored a free-kick from long range. A true stunner. The following year, Kolarov was a part of the Serbian side which competed at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games but unfortunately made an early exit. In the same year, he also made his senior debut for the Serbian national team. We Laziale wish him all the best for the season ahead and that he reaches all of his goals with his Serbian National team.

Forza Lazio, Forza Kolarov!