Josip Ilicic, who faced mental health challenges and retired twice, is now playing for Slovenia at Euro 2024. His return to football after battling depression is considered remarkable, with support from players like Declan Rice.
🇸🇮💙 Josip Iličić revealed that Rice told him that he respects his story a lot. During the pandemic, Iličić retired due to depression. Last night, he made his first appearance for Slovenia in over two years, celebrating a momentous RO16 qualification. https://t.co/7YOVL8pPGb
Declan Rice told Josip Iličić after yesterday's 🏴 vs. 🇸🇮 game that he respects him a lot. During the pandemic, Iličić retired due to depression. Last night, he made his first competitive appearance for Slovenia in over two years, celebrating a momentous RO16 qualification. 💙…
Declan Rice told Josip Iličić after yesterday's England vs. Slovenia game that he respects him a lot. During the pandemic, Iličić retired due to depression. Last night, he made his first competitive appearance for Slovenia in over two years, celebrating a momentous RO16…
🇸🇮 Josip Ilicic reveals heartwarming on-pitch exchange with Declan Rice after battling depression #Euro2024 https://t.co/vznjrF7SkG
🚨🗣️Josip Ilicic: “Declan Rice told me he respects my story a lot” 🥹 It’s impossible to hate him. His character behind the scenes is unmatched… 🫡👌 🎥[@RSharmzz] https://t.co/veVI7M2Kvz
🚨🚨| Josip Ilicic had to leave football twice for mental health reasons. Tonight, the veteran is back on the football pitch for Slovenia playing again on Europe’s biggest stage. ❤️ https://t.co/IPmq1f6ngJ
Josip Ilicic is on for Slovenia. It's absolutely incredible that he's at the tournament, given everything he's been through, mentally and physically. Here's the story of why. https://t.co/mj5y9bBvfr
Josip Ilicic was a star in Italy, scoring backheels, hat-tricks & goals from halfway. But the death of a former team-mate shook him, as did the COVID pandemic. His health suffered. He went back to Slovenia to start again and at 36, remarkably, is at #Euro2024 📝 @NickMiller79
Josip Ilicic had to leave football twice for mental health reasons. He was scared to go to sleep because he thought he wouldn’t wake up. But he’s in the Slovenia squad. Even if he doesn’t play, it’s still among the most remarkable stories at Euro 2024. https://t.co/GvRWMxUikl