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Here is why Croatia’s Nikola Kalinic refused to accept his World Cup medal

Croatia’s forward Nikola Kalinic has refused to take the 2018 World Cup silver medal saying he does not deserve it.

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Croatia’s forward Nikola Kalinic has refused to take the 2018 World Cup silver medal saying he does not deserve it.

Kalinic, who was sent back home after Croatia’s opening match, said that he cannot accept the runners-up medal because he played no part in his country’s road to the final in Russia.

 

The Milan striker refused to come on as a substitute in Croatia's World Cup opener against Nigeria, which the former eventually won 2-0, citing fitness issues, but was then kicked out of the squad by head coach Zlatko Dalic.

Kalinic had also missed out Croatia’s pre-tournament warm-up match against Brazil and was forced to sit out of training with back spasms. Later on, Croatian coach, Zlatko said he needed players in the 2018 World Cup, who were fit and ready to play, before he sent Kalinic back home.

Despite Kalinic not playing even a minute at the Russia World Cup, his Croatian teammates and coaching staff decided to award Kalinic with the silver medal, following their 2-4 loss to France in the final on July 15.

 

According to reports, Kalinic refusing to accept the medal said, “Thanks for the medals, but I did not play in Russia.”

After being ousted from Croatia's World Cup squad, Kalinic took some time off before returning to training with Milan, but may not play for the Rossoneri in the upcoming season following his €25 million transfer.

In the absence of the 30-year-old forward, Croatia were left with just one designated striker, Mario Mandzukic, who rose to the occasion, scoring three goals in six appearances, including one goal in the final as well.

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