​Nikola Pokrivac dead at 39: Ex-Croatia international dies in horror car crash involving four vehicles – as two of his team-mates are left in a critical condition

• The incident occurred on Friday as Nikola Pokrivac was returning from training 
• He earned 15 caps for the Croatian national team between 2008 and 2010
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By ABDI RASHID

Former Croatia international ​Nikola Pokrivac has tragically died at the age of 39 following a car accident in Karlovac, Croatia. 

According to local police, the incident occurred on Friday evening as Pokrivac was returning from training with his current team, NK Vojnic, a fourth-division club. 

The crash involved four vehicles and also claimed the life of another individual not traveling with Pokrivac. Two of his teammates sustained critical injuries and remain hospitalised.

The Croatian Football Federation said in a statement: ‘It is impossible to find words of comfort in such a shocking and unimaginably sad moment when we have lost a young life.’

Their president Marijan Kustic added: ‘I can only express my deepest condolences to Nikola’s family and loved ones for this irreplaceable loss, and the HNS and the Croatian football family will stand by them in these most difficult moments.

‘Nikola was an exceptional footballer who lived for football until his very last moment in this world, and who showed great courage in life by overcoming a cruel illness. 

​Croatian footballer Nikola Pokrivac has died at the age of 39 following a severe car accident

The incident occurred on Friday evening as Pokrivac was returning from training

Pokrivac earned 15 caps for the Croatian national team between 2008 and 2010 

‘This is a great loss for our football community, and especially painful for his family. Our prayers are with Nikola and his family.’

Pokrivac, earned 15 caps for the Croatian national team between 2008 and 2010, participating in the UEFA Euro 2008 tournament. 

He was also part of the squad that faced England at Wembley, where they suffered a 5-1 defeat during the 2010 World Cup qualifying campaign. 

Throughout his career as a midfielder, Pokrivac played for clubs such as Dinamo Zagreb, AS Monaco, and Red Bull Salzburg, winning titles in both Croatia and Austria. 

In 2015, he was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma, leading to his retirement from professional football two years later. 

However, Pokrivac returned to amateur football in 2021, joining sixth-tier NK Pusca and then fifth-tier Gnk Tigar. He joined fourth-tier side Vojnic 95 last year. 

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​Nikola Pokrivac dead at 39: Ex-Croatia international dies in horror car crash involving four vehicles – as two of his team-mates are left in a critical condition

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