While England’s goalless draw with Slovenia at Euro 2024 was a dire affair for most, there was a heartwarming story at the centre of it.
Slovenia icon Josip Ilicic came on in the 75th minute for Benjamin Sesko to help his side secure a point against the Three Lions.
The result means that they finish third in Group C, enough to guarantee a spot in the last-16 where they could face Portugal.
But for Ilicic, this game meant more given that the attacker nearly walked away from football twice over the last four years due to mental health struggles.
The 36-year-old took time away from the game in 2020 after suffering from depression that was triggered by the Covid-19 pandemic, and then missed the last half of the 2021/22 season after the issues returned.
As a result, the former Atalanta star had not played for his country since 2021 but a remarkable comeback story has culminated with a return to the Slovenia squad and an appearance at a major tournament.
Speaking post-match, an emotional Ilicic revealed a touching moment he shared with England star Declan Rice.
He told Sky Italia: ‘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.’
Asked who the player was, he replied: ‘An Arsenal midfielder, you know well,’ before confirming it was Rice.
Opening up more about his journey, 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.
‘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.
‘I already played with these guys many years ago. They knew very well who I am and how much I can help them.
‘Yes, I’m an older brother, but my teammates are no longer kids like a few years ago. Yes, I give a lot of advice and I help them a lot, I know very well where I am in my career and I can give advice to help them grow.’
