Football News: Inspiring Comeback Story of Josip Ilicic Ahead of Euro 2024
As the anticipation builds for the upcoming Euro 2024 tournament in Germany, one of the most remarkable stories is the inclusion of Slovenian striker Josip Ilicic. The 36-year-old’s journey has been a testament to resilience, as he has bounced back from serious mental health challenges to reclaim his place among Europe’s elite players.
Overcoming Mental Health Struggles
Ilicic, who was once a prolific striker for Atalanta, saw his career take a difficult turn in 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted his well-being. The former Atalanta star, known for his sensitivity, struggled with depression after being diagnosed with the virus in Bergamo, a city that was heavily affected by the outbreak.
“He had the coronavirus and fell into depression,” Ilicic’s former teammate Alejandro Gomez revealed to TyC Sports. “There comes a moment when the head explodes. Luckily he recovered and he’s fine now. He is very important to us.”
The mental health struggles Ilicic faced led him to consider retirement, as he was unable to play for almost an entire year. Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini spoke about the challenges Ilicic was facing, acknowledging the complexities of the human mind.
“I can say he is a very normal, positive person, but the insides of our minds are like a jungle. It’s tough for psychiatrists to work out what’s going on, let alone for us,” Gasperini said.
Comeback and Euro 2024 Inclusion
However, Ilicic has now managed to regain his joy for the game, joining his former club NK Maribor and scoring nine goals in 31 games this season. His return to form has earned him a call-up to the Slovenia national team for the upcoming Euro 2024 tournament, where he will face off against England in the group stage.
Ilicic’s inspiring story has not gone unnoticed, as England midfielder Declan Rice revealed that he approached the Slovenian striker to express his respect and admiration for his journey.
“I am sincerely pleased [that people see me as an inspiration],” Ilicic said. “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.”
As the Euro 2024 tournament draws near, the inclusion of Josip Ilicic will undoubtedly be one of the most compelling narratives, showcasing the power of perseverance and the resilience of the human spirit.
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