Former Croatia worldwide Nikola Pokrivac has died in a automobile accident in his house nation, the Croatian Soccer Federation has confirmed.
The 39-year-old midfielder performed for Dinamo Zagreb, AS Monaco and RB Salzburg over his profession and received 15 worldwide caps from 2008 to 2010.
Pokrivac was recognized with Hodgkin’s lymphoma in 2015 which compelled him to retire from skilled soccer.
However he returned to newbie soccer in 2021 and joined decrease league aspect NK Vojnic final summer time.
Native media stated he was in a car with three team-mates from NK Vojnic after they have been concerned in a four-vehicle collision in Karlovac in central Croatia on Friday night.
It has been reported a 42-year-old particular person in one other automobile was additionally killed, whereas the opposite occupants of Pokrivac’s automobile have been taken to hospital with critical accidents.
“Nikola was an awesome soccer participant, who lived soccer till his final second on this world, and who confirmed nice braveness in life by overcoming a horrible illness,” stated Croatian Soccer Federation president Marijan Kustic.
“This can be a nice loss for our soccer group, and particularly painful for the household.”
Pokrivac performed at Euro 2008, the place Croatia reached the quarter-finals, and confronted England twice in qualifying for the 2010 World Cup.
“It’s not possible to search out phrases of consolation in such a stunning and unimaginably unhappy second when now we have misplaced a younger life,” added Kustic.
“I can solely specific my deepest condolences to Nikola’s household and family members for this irreparable loss, and the HNS [the national football association] and the Croatian soccer household can be with them in these most tough moments.”
