Croatia striker Nikola Kalinic has left the national team's World Cup camp with immediate effect.
Reports earlier broke out that the AC Milan player refused to come on as a substitute during Croatia's 2-0 victory over Nigeria in their World Cup opener.
However, according to Croatia head coach Zlatko Dalic, Kalinic leaves because of a back injury he suffered.
"During the Nigeria encounter, Kalinic was warming up and was supposed to come on in the second half. However, he then stated that he wasn't ready to come on due to a back issue," Dalic says.
"The same thing happened during the Brazil friendly in England, as well as before the practice session on Sunday."
"I have calmly accepted that, and since I need my players fit and ready to play, I have made this decision."
Kalinic started on the bench for the fourth successive international match for Croatia.
panacdiou
156
it doesn't matter if you are sub. when the chance come to go to the field being a sub means nothing. what it counts is the heart, effort and passion the player puts in for the Jersey( la camisola). Good luck to Niko Kalinic Harvastka!!!!!!! All the way!!!!!!! a good example happened in the world cup back in 1990. Pumpido, the goal keeper from Argentina got injured. Silas wanted to be the primary Goal keeper, but the coach said no Silas was to be the sub. instead Sergio Goigochea went as a sub and thus Goigochea was a key player in penalties that contributed for Argentina to be in the Final. the same opportunity is here in a different year with different players and different teams. but the underling principle is the same.
intelligency44
128
What is really wrong with this guy? ..ever since he came to Milan, he's no longer the same person again; his form has dropped drastically. He was even opportune to make the final list in Russia, I don't think he merit it! He should come back and sort out his career because I think it's on the brink of collapsing. 😨
FabulousPaul
107
These players need to know that not everyone will start a single game. A game is made up of 11 starters from both sides and 3 possible subs. If he didn't start and was seen to be a sub, why not swallow your pride and come in? Others could've killed to be in his position but this guy just wasted it. It's a big shame.
handsomedesire
102
End of his football career. Because it show there is no discipline in him and it will be hard for a good coach to use him for match again. Everybody can't be on the field at a goal
bibelprz
91
Who does he thinks heis, better than others that sat on the bench? Substitutes sometimes make big news of themselves when they are put on the field. when everyone is almost tired you come in to change things around. starting a game does not mean you are the best.Lots of players do the same. They do not want to play as long as they do not start a match. Throw this guy out of the team for good. He is not indespensible. Another player that replaces him may do better than he thinks.
popejp
63
The guy is too arrogant and such player can corrupt others. You took wise decision Boss Dalic before he will slap you in training ground one day. Fool keep creating enemies for yourself
Mujahid17
51
Subs have created most history Mario Gotze came as sub and scored Eder come and scored for winning his nation first international trophy and Garath Bale who scored 2 goals in the final of UCL so don't ever feel down if you are a sub