Darijo Srna (right) challenging Turkey's Caner Erkin during Sunday's game in Paris. Martin Rickett
Martin Rickett
DESPITE LOSING HIS father just five days ago, Darijo Srna has lined up to captain Croatia in today’s Euro 2016 game against Czech Republic in St Etienne.
Srna’s father died on Sunday during Croatia’s 1-0 win against Turkey in Paris, after which the Shakhtar Donetsk defender flew home for the funeral.
However, Srna bravely returned to France to lead his team in their meeting with the Czechs. During the Croatian national anthem before the game, the 34-year-old was understandably quite emotional.
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“It is a very difficult moment for me and my family and after talking to them, I decided to return to France,” Srna told a news conference yesterday.
“It was my father’s last wish. He invested everything he had in my career and I wouldn’t be here if it hadn’t been for him. I have to be strong and shift my focus on what lies ahead.”
Croatia captain Srna moved to tears during national anthem following his father's death
DESPITE LOSING HIS father just five days ago, Darijo Srna has lined up to captain Croatia in today’s Euro 2016 game against Czech Republic in St Etienne.
Srna’s father died on Sunday during Croatia’s 1-0 win against Turkey in Paris, after which the Shakhtar Donetsk defender flew home for the funeral.
However, Srna bravely returned to France to lead his team in their meeting with the Czechs. During the Croatian national anthem before the game, the 34-year-old was understandably quite emotional.
“It is a very difficult moment for me and my family and after talking to them, I decided to return to France,” Srna told a news conference yesterday.
“It was my father’s last wish. He invested everything he had in my career and I wouldn’t be here if it hadn’t been for him. I have to be strong and shift my focus on what lies ahead.”
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Croatia Czech Republic Darijo Srna Emotional Euro 2016