On Friday, the Croatian Football Federation (HNS) announced the death of 39-year-old midfielder Nikola Pokrivac in an automobile accident. There were four vehicles in the tragic incident in Karlovac, central Croatia.
Local media said that another automobile passenger died in the crash. Accident cause is under investigation. He died on the spot while travelling with three teammates from NK Vojnić, a fourth-division Croatian club. Two of the other three were seriously hurt.
Pokrivac, known for his determination and vision on the pitch, earned 15 Croatian caps between 2008 and 2009. He had a distinguished career with AS Monaco, Dinamo Zagreb, Red Bull Salzburg, and others in Europe.
The HNS expressed sincere grief for the loss:
Our hearts are broken by Nikola Pokrivac’s death. He was respected in Croatian football and a cherished teammate. The Croatian Football Federation expressed sympathy for his family, friends, and injured players.
Pokrivac was admired for his football ability and dedication. He famously battled Hodgkin’s lymphoma in 2014 before returning to sport after a protracted recovery.
Homages from the Croatian football community and beyond have praised Pokrivac as a warrior and gentleman.
