The news about Ivan Perisic’s injury was not only a blow for Tottenham Hotspur, but for those at the Croatian national team as well.
With the Spurs player expected to be out for the season, it’s also unclear whether he’ll be able to feature at the Euros next year.
That’s why Croatian outlet Sportske today features some quotes from national team coach Zlatko Dalic and HNS president Marijan Kustic.
The coach was the first to speak, and showed how hopeful they are that the Tottenham player be ready next summer.
“Knowing his dedication and physical capacities, I’m convinced that he’ll make a superb recovery and reach the desired form by June. I cannot and do not want to imagine our national team without Ivan, we are all with him, and we’re very much looking forward to seeing him again in a representative environment. I wish him a successful operation, then a quality recovery and a return to the field so that he can do what he knows best – lead Croatia to great victories.”
“We were all saddened by this news about Ivan’s knee injury, primarily because of him, but also because we all saw against Latvia and Armenia how well he is in good shape and with how much enthusiasm, desire and motivation he still performs for the Croatian national team. However, I’m encouraged by his positive and determined attitude, and we all know how carefully and dedicatedly he works on his physical preparation, and there is no doubt that he will perform his recovery with maximum quality.
“Therefore, I deeply believe that he’ll welcome the Euros fully healthy and in the right shape, and that he will be one of the players and character leaders of our team in Germany, as he has been for the past ten years. Ivan can count on maximum support from the Association during his recovery, I know that the entire national team is with him and we can’t wait for him to be with us again. From the bottom of my heart, I wish him a successful operation and an equally successful recovery.”
Perisic had played in all matches under Ange Postecoglou this season, even though he started all of their Premier League games on the bench.
Since his arrival from Inter Milan as a free agent in 2022, he’s already made 50 appearances for Tottenham, getting one goal and 14 assists.
His contract with the club expires at the end of the season, and there had already been talk about a return to Croatian club football.
