Ivan Klasnic Bio Send To Friend  

Hamburg-born Klasnic began his professional career at local side St. Pauli in January 1998 after spells at amateur clubs Union 03 Hamburg and TSV Stellingen.

After two-season in Bundesliga 2 the striker signed for Werder Bremen on a free transfer in June 2001 and after battling with knee injuries in his first couple of years his career really took off in 2003.

The technically gifted forward scored 13 goals and provided 11 assists as Werder won the Bundesliga and German Cup double.

His form faltered in successive seasons and it was discovered he was suffering from a life-threatening kidney illness. A successful transplant helped to get him back on track and after scoring his first goal on his return for Bremen back in December 2007 he sank to his knees in an emotional outburst.

In July 2008, Klasnic joined French club FC Nantes on loan and then signed a four-year contract. But the club were relegated to Ligue 2 as Klasnic scored just 6 goals in 28 games.

Having been born in Germany Klasnic was offered the chance to play for the national team during Rudi Völler's tenure as manager, and he also had the opportunity to represent Bosnia & Herzegovina, but opted to represent the land of his parents, Croatia.

Having played for Croatia at youth level he made his senior debut in a defeat to Germany in February 2004. He has since been in and out of the Croatia side for Euro 2004, World Cup 2006 and Euro 2008.

The speedy striker signed for Bolton Wanderers on a season-long loan from Nantes on September 1, 2009.