Profile

A veteran central defender, now 34, Robert Kovač will participate in his fourth major finals for Croatia at UEFA EURO 2008 – and hope to progress beyond the opening round for the first time. A sound reader of the game, Kovač has considerable top-level club experience.

Younger brother of Croatia captain Niko Kovač, born to a family of Croatian guest workers in West Berlin.

Made Bundesliga debut in 1996 after joining Bayer 04 Leverkusen from second division 1. FC Nürnberg.

Bundesliga runner-up twice with Leverkusen before moving in 2001 to FC Bayern München, where he won German double twice (2002/03 and 2004/05).

First international in April 1999; has remained in situ through a succession of different head coaches, playing in FIFA World Cup finals of 2002 and 2006 and UEFA EURO 2004. Spoilt ever-present record at finals with suspension for final group game of 2006 tournament versus Australia.

Joined Juventus in 2005; won title although it was eventually revoked; remained with Juve after enforced relegation, winning Serie B, but left for BV Borussia Dortmund in 2007.

Has appeared in eight UEFA Champions League campaigns, making 50 appearances.

Did you know?

His wife Anica is a former Miss Croatia and was runner-up in the 1995 edition of Miss World.