One of the most incredible stories leading into Euro 2024 was the inclusion of Josip Ilicic.
The Slovenia striker is featuring at the tournament in Germany to mark an incredible turnaround.
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Ilicic was one of the best strikers in Europe at AtalantaCredit: AFP
Ilicic has bounced back from serious mental health issues to rebuild his career and put himself among Europe’s biggest stars again.
The former Atalanta star was in fine form in 2020, netting 15 goals in 26 Serie A games.
However, that is when things started to go south for him, and he would miss the season’s final seven games, including a Champions League quarter-final.
The COVID-19 pandemic majorly affected Ilicic and he suffered from depression with Bergamo, the city where Atalanta are based, being hit hard by the virus.
The now 36-year-old is known to be very sensitive, according to Marca, and after being diagnosed with COVID, he really struggled and felt he couldn’t play on anymore.
His former teammate Alejandro Gomez revealed to TyC Sports: “He had the coronavirus and fell into depression.
“There comes a moment when the head explodes. Luckily he recovered and he’s fine now. He is very important to us.”
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Ilicic was majorly impacted by COVID-19 in 2020Credit: Getty Images – Getty
He was said to have been considering retirement at the time with his struggles continuing up until 2022, not playing for almost a whole year.
Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini spoke about Ilicic in that same year and addressed the ongoing situation with his striker.
Gasperini said: “We have known him for many years, had many happy moments together.
“I can say he is a very normal, positive person, but the insides of our minds are like a jungle. It’s tough for psychiatrists to work out what’s going on, let alone for us.
“I just hope he can return and rediscover some joy playing on the pitch.”
Now, that joy seems to have finally been rediscovered by Ilicic, who joined his former club NK Maribor following his contract being terminated by mutual agreement in Italy.
He has spent a full campaign there this season and has scored nine goals in 31 games.
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Rice spoke to Ilicic about his journey before England faced SloveniaCredit: Getty
His return to form has led to a first international call-up in two years, just in time for Euro 2024 this summer where he played against England in the group stages.
Ilicic’s story has led to him becoming an inspiration for many and he revealed that Declan Rice approached him on Tuesday night.
“I am sincerely pleased [that people see me as an inspiration],” Ilicic said.
“Even today when I entered the pitch a player complimented me and told me that he respects me a lot, this pleases me . The whole world knows my story.
“Who is the player? An Arsenal midfielder, you know well. Declan Rice, yes.”
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