Declan Rice shows his true colours as Euro 2024 rival praises England and Arsenal star
Declan Rice reached out to Slovenia midfielder Josip Ilicic who has battled with mental health issues over the last five seasons.
Rice, 25, was at the heart of England's disappointing 0-0 draw with Slovenia at Euro 2024. But while the Arsenal midfielder would have been a mixture of emotions including anger and frustration after the game, he still went out of his way to speak to the Maribor midfielder.
Four seasons ago, Ilicic announced that he would be taking a break from football to focus on his mental health, before departing the sport again 18 months later for a similar sabbatical. Ilicic's form for his club Maribor convinced Slovenia boss Matjaz Kek to take him to Germany.
He was introduced onto the field for the first time in the tournament during the draw with England. After the game, Rice went out of his way to offer his support to the 36-year-old.
After the game, Ilicic said: “I am sincerely pleased, 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.”
Ilicic added: “It’s difficult to explain this emotion, it’s a wonderful thing especially for us players and for all the staff, and above all for the fans who came to support us.
Josip Ilicic of Slovenia competes with Declan Rice of England for the ball during the UEFA EURO 2024 group stage match between England and Slovenia at Cologne Stadium on June 25, 2024 in Cologne, Germany
“It’s not that I’m going to stop, but I was missing a finish line like this to say that I gave my all to achieve this type of match and result.“
In a previous interview, the ex-Atalanta midfielder offered an insight into his struggles. He said to Sky Italia: “I was afraid to go to sleep.
"I thought I would never wake up in the morning and see my family again. It was hard to recover — you start from below zero and you have to get used to moving and running again, as if I were a child.”
Josip Ilicic of Slovenia reacts during the UEFA EURO 2024 group stage match between England and Slovenia at Cologne Stadium on June 25, 2024 in Cologne, Germany
Slovenia's draw with England was enough to earn them a place in the round of 16 stages. They face Portugal in the next round, who were recently defeated 2-0 by Georgia.
Meanwhile, the Three Lions will face Slovakia in their clash on Sunday, June 30. Gareth Southgate's side have so far flattered to deceive, having only recorded one victory and two draws while only scoring two goals.
Meanwhile, Slovakia started their tournament with an impressive victory over Belgium, but followed up their surprising triumph with a loss to Ukraine and a draw with Romania.
If you or anyone you know has been affected by any of the issues mentioned in this article, you can call Samaritans for free at any time on 116 123. Alternatively, you can email [email protected].
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