Even late is better than never: Veteran Jasmin Kurtić doesn’t hide his pride and emotions because he will finally taste the sweetness of a major competition
Photo: Vid Ponikvar / Sportida
Slovenia entered the second day of preparations in Wuppertal, and the fever – naturally – continues to rise. Sunday is not far away anymore, bringing with it Slovenia’s first match in a major tournament after a long 14 years. The national team will debut at Euro 2024 in Stuttgart, where they will face Denmark, and experienced Jasmin Kurtić doesn’t hide his pride and emotions because he will finally experience a major competition towards the end of his career.
“During my international career, there were many negative moments when we were close but still far from success. Being here today is primarily thanks to the people who believed in me all this time, no matter what. It’s undoubtedly a source of pride for me to have been part of the national team throughout, and I consider it an honor that I never gave up. Even when it was toughest, I never gave in or gave up. I’ve always worked hard and believed that the moment for celebration would come. And even though I’m 35 years old, that doesn’t change the fact that I’m living my dreams. I am also living proof that you’re never too old to achieve them,” Kurtić elaborated during media obligations before Thursday’s training, where he reached his 91st appearance for Slovenia before heading to Germany.
Jasmin Kurtić: “No nerves ahead of the first game”
One of those undoubtedly living his dreams is also Josip Iličić. Unlike Kurtić, Iličić had to take some time away from the national team but returned to Kek’s radar after a dream spring. Kurtić is very pleased to have him back; it’s well known that the Maribor player and he are good friends.
“That Josip is with us is nothing new. To joke a bit, I can say he just had a slightly longer preparation period away to return to the national team. He prepared well, and now he’s back with us,” Kurtić said with a smile. The Südtirol midfielder added: “We all know who and what Josip Iličić is. We also know everything he’s been through, everything he had to endure. Everyone in the national team, even those who may not have known him before, has welcomed him with open arms. He is more than welcome among us.”
As an interesting fact, whoever between Kurtić and Iličić plays first at Euro 2024 will become the oldest Slovenian to appear in major tournaments. But when Josip Iličić takes the field, the bar will undoubtedly be set very, very high. The legendary Kranjčan is already 36 years old…
Photo: Vid Ponikvar / Sportida
This text was automatically translated using AI.
Author: editorial Football Planet
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