CROATIAN midfielder Nikola Pokrivac has been killed in a car accident aged just 39.
The ex-Monaco and RB Salzburg star won 15 international caps from 2008 to 2010.
Pokrivac returned to football in 2021 after being diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma a decade ago.
He played for fifth-tier team NK Vojnic after joining the club last summer.
Pokrivac was killed following a four-vehicle collision in Karlovac in central Croatia on Friday evening.
Local media claim he was joined in the vehicle by three Vojnic teammates, who were taken to hospital with serious injuries.
A 42-year-old person in another car was also killed.
The Croatian Football Federation confirmed on Saturday morning that Pokrivac had died of his injuries.
CFF president Marijan Kustics said: “Nikola was a great football player, who lived football until his last moment in this world.
“He showed great courage in life by overcoming a terrible disease.
“This is a great loss for our football community, and especially painful for the family.
“It is impossible to find words of comfort in such a shocking and unimaginably sad moment when we have lost a young life.
“I can only express my deepest condolences to Nikola’s family and loved ones for this irreparable loss.
“The HNS [the national football association] and the Croatian football family will be with them in these most difficult moments.”
Pokrivac faced England twice in qualifying for the 2010 World Cup.
He also featured in Croatia’s successful Euro 2008 campaign, where they reached the quarter-finals.
Since returning to the field in 2021, Pokrivac has also been a youth team coach.
He enjoyed his most successful playing time at Dinamo Zagreb, winning three Croatian league titles.
The club issued an emotional statement on Saturday, writing: “With great sadness and disbelief, we received the news of the severe traffic accident in Karlovac in which, unfortunately, our former player Nikola Pokrivač lost his life.
“Nikola will forever remain part of the Dinamo family – as a talented midfielder, a fighter on the pitch, and a man with a big heart.
“He played for the Blues 69 times and contributed to four championship titles and three Cup winners’ trophies.
“To his family, as well as the families of all those who perished in this tragic accident, GNK Dinamo expresses sincere and profound condolences.”
Monaco, who Pokrivac played for in 2008, added: “The Club was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of its former midfielder Nikola Pokrivac.
“To his family and loved ones, AS Monaco extends its most sincere condolences.”
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