Josip Ilicic on emotional Slovenia return: “Difficult to describe this emotion” | OneFootball

Former Atalanta and Fiorentina star Josip Ilicic made an emotional return to the Slovenia national team yesterday and he had some words to say about his return.

Ilicic has had battles with mental health in recent years and that has been one of the reasons for his decline on the pitch. But he was called up to the Slovenia squad for the Euros and he came on against England yesterday, capping a brilliant redemption story.

Ilicic spoke to Sky Italia after the game and he described the emotion he has been feeling: “It’s difficult to explain this emotion, it’s a wonderful thing especially for us players and for all the staff, and above all for the fans who came to support us. It’s not that I’m going to stop, but I was missing a finish line like this to say that I gave my all to achieve this type of match and result.“

He was asked about whether he feels like an older brother in the team and he said: “I already played with these guys many years ago. They knew very well who I am and how much I can help them. Yes, I’m an older brother , but my teammates are no longer kids like a few years ago. Yes, I give a lot of advice and I help them a lot, I know very well where I am in my career and I can give advice to help them grow.”

It was told to Ilicic was he is an inspiration to many and to that, he responded that Declan Rice told him the same during the game.

“I am sincerely pleased, even today when I entered the pitch a player complimented me and told me that he respects me a lot, this pleases me . The whole world knows my story. Who is the player? An Arsenal midfielder, you know well. Declan Rice, yes.”

Kaustubh Pandey I GIFN