For the last seven days, photographer of Agence France- Presse (AFP), Yuri Cortez has been enjoying his holiday in Croatia with his family thanks to the invitation of the Croatian Tourist Board. So far family Cortez has visited Zagreb, Dubrovnik, Split, Šibenik, National Park Kornati, island Žut, Zadar and Opatija, and they still have to visit Istria.
Just to remind you, Cortez captured some of the best photos of Croatian footballers during a recent World Cup as they trampled him during a goal celebration.
At the press conference in Opatija, Cortez was welcomed by Croatian Tourist Board director Kristjan Staničić, Croatian Minister of Tourism Gari Cappelli, vice president of Croatian Football Association Damir Mišković and Opatija mayor Ivo Dujmić.
During his stay in Croatia, Cortez received video messages with greetings from Croatian footballers Dejan Lovren and Luka Modrić, while Josip Pivarić and Mario Mandžukić greeted him through the social media platforms. Mario Mandžukić also sent a gift to Yuri – the jersey of the Croatian football team with a special message and autograph on it.
Legendary photographer, Cortez added: ” I’ve traveled the world so I can easily say Croatia is a beautiful country and your people are very kind, open and warmhearted. You have a wonderful cities that are like heaven for us photographers and amazing, preserved nature. We’re enjoying every minute of our stay. I want to thank you for this chance to visit Croatia. This will be an unforgettable experience for me and my family. Especially thanks to the Croatian footballers for their messages, greeting and gifts, those will forever remind me about this unrepeatable moment of my career”.