E-Paper
In the name of the father: Grieving Srna back
SAINT-ETIENNE, FRANCE: His face turned ashen by grief, Croatia captain Darijo Srna took one question after another, patiently explaining why he returned to the European
SAINT-ETIENNE, FRANCE: His face turned ashen by grief, Croatia captain Darijo Srna took one question after another, patiently explaining why he returned to the European Championship after the death of his father.
The Croatian veteran took three questions about his late father before politely asking reporters at a news conference in Saint-Etienne to focus on Friday’s game against the Czech Republic.
Srna’s father died from cancer last Sunday around the time Croatia beat Turkey 1-0 in their opening game at Euro 2016. After being told the news, Srna travelled back to his hometown of Metkovic straight after the game to attend the funeral.
“It was a very difficult moment for me and my family,” the 34-year-old Srna said on Thursday. “But my father has always wanted to see me play as much as possible for the Croatian team. When I returned to Metkovic, people there told me it was my father’s last wish that I continued playing as this is my last competition for the national team. They will all be happy to see me be back on the pitch.”
Srna, who returned to the training ground on Wednesday, did not say whether he would have travelled back to France if not for his father’s request.
“But I’m self-confident and I trust myself that I will do my best, I’m the captain of this team,” he said. “When I got married, I came back straight after the wedding to play a match against Austria.”
Croatia coach Ante Cacic confirmed that Srna, who made his international debut 14 years ago, would start the game.
“Of course you have to do adapt to this situation,” said Cacic. “But on the other hand, it could motivate us more.”
Croatia could seal their spot in the knockout rounds with a win against the Czech Republic, who lost their opener 1-0 against defending champion Spain.
