CELTIC defender Jozo Simunovic has agreed to become the first ever player to make the hugely controversial international switch from Croatia to Bosnia.
The 22-year-old had grown frustrated at being overlooked by Croatia, despite representing them from Under 14s level to Under 21s.
He was approached by Bosnian manager Mehmed Bazdarevic to switch nations because he’s never won a cap for Croatia.
Read more: Neil Cameron: Dominant Celtic will need challenge of the Champions League
Simunovic is eligible to play for Bosnia because of family ties, despite being born and raised in Croatian capital Zagreb.
And he’s revealed why he’s decided to shock Balkan football by switching allegiances.
Simunovic said: “I have decided to play for Bosnia and Herzegovina.
“My parents and my grandparents are all from Bosnia and Herzegovina. I was contacted by national coach Mehmed Bazdarevic and after our first meeting he gave me time to think about it.
“I then spoke to all my family and decided to play for my country.
“After that, I had several more meetings with Mehmed Bazdarevic and came to the definite decision I wanted to play for him and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Read more: Neil Cameron: Dominant Celtic will need challenge of the Champions League
“I stand by my decision and cannot wait to play for The Dragons.”
The Croatian FA have not publicly commented on the 22-year-old’s decision, but have come in for criticism in their homeland.
Simunovic will make his Bosnian debut in their World Cup double-header next month against Cyprus and Gibraltar.
Comments & Moderation
Readers’ comments: You are personally liable for the content of any comments you upload to this website, so please act responsibly. We do not pre-moderate or monitor readers’ comments appearing on our websites, but we do post-moderate in response to complaints we receive or otherwise when a potential problem comes to our attention. You can make a complaint by using the ‘report this post’ link . We may then apply our discretion under the user terms to amend or delete comments.
Post moderation is undertaken full-time 9am-6pm on weekdays, and on a part-time basis outwith those hours.
Read the rules here