Photo by Nel Pavletic/PIXSELL
June 6, 2023 – Marko Livaja has left Croatia’s national team preparations and will not compete in the UEFA Nations League finals.
Livaja spoke with coach Zlatko Dalić about the incident that happened during training on Monday at Rujevica Stadium when several individuals insulted the Croatia national team player in an inappropriate and vulgar manner, reports HNS.
Dalić and Livaja agreed that the incident created an unpleasant atmosphere and an environment in which it was impossible for Livaja to focus on the Nations League finals, and the Croatia striker will not compete in Rotterdam.
“I am extremely sorry that this has come to this and that the unacceptable behavior of a few individuals has resulted in us losing an important player for this competition. I understand Marko and the gravity of the situation he found himself in, and I respect that after everything written and experienced, he does not feel ready to participate in the Nations League finals. Marko remains in our plans going forward, and our goals remain the same,” said coach Zlatko Dalić.
“Unfortunately, after everything that has happened in the past 24 hours, I feel that I am not ready to give the national team my maximum and that by staying I would only be a hindrance to the team that deserves to have peace during the preparations for this important competition. I wish the boys the best of luck in the Netherlands, decorated with gold, for which they certainly have quality and unity. I thank the coach for his understanding, President Kustić, and the Federation for their support, and I hope that the fans of the national team will understand this decision. The national team really means a lot to me, and I hope to continue to be a member of it in the future,” said Marko Livaja.
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