# Mitrović: Monaco Player Time and Career Overview
## Introduction
Fernando Mitrović is a former professional footballer who played as a striker for Monaco. His career spanned from 1995 to 2007, during which he made significant contributions to the club's success. This article provides a detailed overview of his playing time and career trajectory.
## Early Career
Fernando Mitrović was born on January 26, 1981, in Belgrade, Serbia. He began his football journey with the youth system at Dinamo Zagreb before moving to Monaco in 1995. The move was seen as a strategic acquisition for the French club, aiming to strengthen their attacking options.
## Playing Time
During his time at Monaco, Mitrović established himself as one of the club's most prolific strikers. His versatility allowed him to adapt to different roles within the squad, whether it was as a regular starter or as a substitute. Some of his key moments include:
- **La Liga**: Mitrović had a strong season in La Liga in 2004–2005, scoring 20 goals in 35 appearances.
- **UEFA Champions League**: In the UEFA Champions League, he scored 12 goals in 17 matches.
- **Copa del Rey**: Mitrović contributed 15 goals in 21 appearances for the Copa del Rey.
## Career Highlights
### Scoring Records
- **Goals in La Liga**: Mitrović scored 60 goals in La Liga throughout his time at Monaco.
- **Goals in Champions League**: He scored 43 goals in the Champions League.
- **Goals in Copa del Rey**: He scored 35 goals in the Copa del Rey.
### Club Record
Mitrović set several club records while at Monaco:
- Most goals scored in a single season (60 goals in 2004–2005)
- Most goals scored in a single campaign (60 goals in 2004–2005)
### Team Successes
Monaco's success under manager Louis van Gaal was greatly enhanced by Mitrović's presence. They won the UEFA Champions League in 2003, 2004, and 2005, all under Van Gaal's leadership. Additionally, they reached the final of the UEFA Super Cup in 2003 and the final of the UEFA Europa League in 2004.
### Personal Achievements
Mitrović also achieved personal success, including being named the Best Young Player of the UEFA Youth League in 1997. He was also recognized with the UEFA Champions League Golden Ball in 2005, winning the award for the best player in Europe's top club competition.
## Conclusion
Fernando Mitrović's time at Monaco was marked by his exceptional performance and contribution to the club's success. His versatility and goal-scoring ability made him a crucial part of the team, helping them achieve numerous accolades. While his career ended in 2007, his legacy as one of Monaco's greatest strikers continues to be celebrated among fans and football historians alike.