Slovenia star Josip Ilicic has detailed a heartwarming moment the forward shared with Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice after yesterday’s draw with England.
The 36-year-old Maribor attacker is regarded as one of the most respected players in all of Europe, with Ilicic one of the first big-name stars to talk openly about mental health in football and the struggles the former Atalanta talisman has dealt with.
And after a return to his boyhood club and a full season of football, Ilicic won a spot back with the Slovenia national team, with the veteran forward coming off the bench last night to face England with a few minutes remaining.
Now, Ilicic has shared what Rice told him after the game in Cologne.
Ilicic reveals Rice’s admiration for Slovenia star’s story
Speaking to Sky Italia, Ilicic revealed that Rice approached him after the game to tell the former Serie A star that he has great respect for him and his story, with the veteran attacker a true inspiration to those involved in football.
With the discussion of mental health in football growing every year, Ilicic will be looked back on as a truly transformative figure in the sport for the right reasons, and Rice sharing his respect for the attacker is more than warranted.
Ilicic said: “I’m glad to hear that, honestly. Even today when I entered the pitch, there was an England player who complimented me. He told me he respects me a lot, so it was to hear that my story is that well known around the world.
When asked which player was complimentary towards him, Ilicic replied: “He’s a midfielder for Arsenal, I’m sure you know him, Declan Rice.”
Ilicic deserves praise from every footballer for what he’s done
Football has the power to change society for the better, and Ilicic is very much one of those players who has used his story and his platform to raise an important issue for the better.
And with Rice praising Ilicic for what he has done in recent years, more players should be showing the Slovenian legend with such kind words, with Ilicic more than deserving of it.
Indeed, the attacker has made a real change in the sport and in driving the conversation of mental health into a more comfortable space, and Ilicic will go down as a legend of the sport when he hangs up his boots for good.
Arsenal winners and losers at Euro 2024
In this week’s episode, Will Jones and Rahul Lakhani discussed the first few days of the European Championships. With Arsenal players such as Kai Havertz and Kieran Tierney experiencing mixed starts to the tournament, the pair assessed which Gunners were the winners and losers from the group stages so far.
There was some talk about transfers based off the Euros, with Arsenal-linked Amadou Onana’s display for Belgium discussed, whilst Leandro Trossard’s poor performance was analysed, and Bukayo Saka’s sensational England showing lauded.