A busy summer transfer window is behind Croatian champions PPD Zagreb. The biggest reinforcement is, without a doubt, Croatian national team right winger, one of the best in his position in Europe and three-time EHF Champions League winner – Ivan Cupic.

After incredible five seasons in Skopje Ivan Cupic arrived to the Croatian capital where he’ll be one of the leaders of this new-face PPD Zagreb team. One of the first challenges he faces as a ‘Lion’ is a matchup against Vardar in SEHA - Gazprom League Quarter-Final. Before the second leg, in which Zagreb will try to turn the result over and book a place at the Final 4 tournament in Zadar, we’ve sat with Ivan talking about his incredible career, ambitions and expectations.

From Metkovic, through Vigo, Velenje and Mannheim all the way to Kielce, Skopje and now Zagreb. What are your personal ambitions? How motivated is Ivan Cupic?

I am still motivated after all this time. Once I stop having that feeling that pushes me, I won't step out there ever again. I feel like we have a couple of experienced players here this season in Musa, Gojun and me who are ready to help in whatever way possible. We're trying to find a way to impact the team in the best, most positive way. My goal is to help our younger players develop. I can say I'm still highly motivated to play top-tier handball, hungry for victories. I hate losing and everything that goes with it.

Does Zagreb have what it takes this season for you to prolong your incredible Champions League streak?

There is a long journey ahead of us. I definitely believe we haven't showed our best yet. Matches like these are quite difficult because we are still in the preparation process. I believe in this team and the fact we'll manage to improve some aspects of the game which are not functioning the right way at the moment.

Did you manage to get over, forget the Olympic Qualifications failure? Is Croatia coming back stronger? Are you thinking about Paris?

I got over it because you simply must. That will, however, forever remain in our heads. As I already said, you must find a way to move on. January is close, we have to be fully focused. Croatia deserves a place among the best. I am thinking about Paris 2024. I signed a three-year contract with Zagreb and my goal is to be healthy, ready and in shape. Everything else will follow. No one knows what will happen in three years time but becoming an Olympic champion in Paris would definitely be an incredible way to put an end to a career in my opinion.

In the last few years younger players have been struggling to find their spot in the Croatian national team. What is the reason for that?

This is far from an easy question to answer because there are a lot of details that play a part in that – starting from the coaching staff, infrastructure, investments. I never choose my next club by simply looking at what they have to offer in terms of money, but in terms of my playing time and opportunities to improve. Generations are different now and we simply must find a way to survive. Clubs were better in the past, Zagreb was reaching EHF CL knock-out rounds easily. We have to strive for better and play on the highest possible level in order for our national team to dominate. I feel like that is possible but we have to work hard to achieve it.

Vardar is coming to Zagreb on Tuesday. How do you see your chances?

Four-goal lead is a lot, especially considering we've scored only 20 in Skopje. We were far from good in the beginning of both first and second half. Younger players have that fear of making a mistake but in order to be on your A-game you have to relax. We still need more time to grow as a team as well as a bunch of individuals. Defense is functioning well but offensive transition and attack are definitely two things we'll have to focus on. Despite of all that and considering the outcome of the first leg, I feel like we still have a lot to say.