Former Croatian international footballer Nikola Pokrivac has died in a car accident, it was announced by the Croatian Football Association (HNS). The 2008 European Championship participant was only 39 years old.
According to the HNS, the accident occurred on Friday evening in the city of Karlovac. Pokrivac, who ended his professional career in 2015 due to a serious illness, played for a lower league club until recently. The midfielder has played a total of 15 international matches for Croatia.
According to Croatian media reports, the accident occurred after training, with three teammates in the car alongside Pokrivac who were seriously injured. Another person died in the accident involving several cars.
Midfielder Pokrivac made 15 appearances for Croatia. His professional stints included time with both AS Monaco and RB Salzburg, where he celebrated winning the Austrian national title together with coach Huub Stevens in 2019/10.