One fan theory is that Inter Milan got the upper hand in the Champions League final against Manchester City because they had a Croatian in their squad.

Since the 2013 final at Wembley, when Mario Mandzukic helped Bayern Munich win Europe's biggest prize with his goal against Borussia Dortmund, a Croatian has featured in every trophy-winning team.

Luka Modric, who won five Champions League titles with Real Madrid in 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2022, knows this important event very well, as does former Los Blancos team-mate Mateo Kovacic.

But this time it will be 30-year-old midfielder Marcelo Brozovic in the final after Inter beat rivals AC in the semi-finals on Tuesday night at the San Siro.

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Following Brozovic's appearance in next month's final, fans are talking about the famous Champions League winning streak involving Croatia. One person said:

“Brozovic keep the streak going,” while another commented:

"Croatia's last hope to sustain their incredible Champions League winning streak. There is only one Marcelo Brozovic."

The third person wrote:

"Croatian luck is our only hope right now. Save us MARCELO BROZOVIC!!!"

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The fourth added:

"Man City don't have Croatia, Inter Milan have."

Here is the full list of Croatian players who have appeared in the Champions League final since 2013:

2013 – Mario Mandzukic [Bayern Munich]

2014 – Luka Modric [Real Madrid]

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2015 – Ivan Rakitic [Barcelona]

2016 – Luka Modric, Mateo Kovacic [Real Madrid]

2017 – Luka Modric, Mateo Kovacic [Real Madrid], Mario Mandzukic [Juventus]

2018 – Luka Modric, Mateo Kovacic [Real Madrid], Dejan Lovren [Liverpool]

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2019 – Dejan Lovren [Liverpool]

2020 – Ivan Perisic [Bayern Munich]

2021 – Mateo Kovacic [Chelsea]

2022 – Luka Modric [Real Madrid]

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2023 – Marcelo Brozovic [Inter Milan]

Image credits:

alamy

Croatia's last hope to maintain their incredible Champions League winning streak. There is only one Marcelo Brozovic. pic.twitter.com/ro6gjP8B9Y

– Allen Strk (@allenstrk) May 17, 2023

Although there are no Croatian players in their squad, Manchester City will be favorites to win their first Champions League on June 10 following a resounding 4-1 win over defending champions Real. Madrid. Goals from Bernardo Silva[2] and Julian Alvarez sealed a convincing win in the second leg at the Etihad.

Do you think Inter Milan can overcome difficulties and beat Man City in the final?  

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