Dusan Tadic to retire from Serbia international, claims Telegraph. The decision follows a European Championship full of disagreements with national coach Dragan Stojkovic, who passed him over several times. The people seem to side with the former Ajax player and direct their anger at the national coach.

The exact reasons for Tadic's decision are not yet officially known, but according to Telegraph everything points to the fact that the bomb exploded during the European Championship.

Tadic publicly criticised Stojkovic's decisions, leaving him out of the starting line-up for the opening match against England and also leaving him on the bench for the deciding match against Denmark.

After the match against the Danes, Tadic's frustration was visible. The former Ajax player was about to spill the beans, but held back and ultimately remained rather vague in his answers.

The straw that broke the camel's back was probably an interview with Stojkovic around the European Championship final, in which he delivered a nasty dig at Tadic when asked about Harry Kane.

“What impressed me was the reaction of Kane and Morata when they were taken off,” Stojkovic said after the European Championship final between Spain and England. “Two captains, leaders of their national teams. Not a single gesture, not even a small reaction that could break the spirit of the team.”

“They went to the bench and supported their teammates. These are things we all have to learn from. There is no room for vanity and excessive ego, everyone plays for the team and victory must be the common goal.”

There is no doubt in Serbia that the national coach was referring to Tadic, captain of the Serbian team, with his words.

Apparently, Stojkovic is bothered by Tadic publicly criticizing him, but also by the fact that the country sided with the attacker, as they believe the national coach was at fault for not fielding Tadic.

Anger and disappointment

In Serbia, the reaction to Tadic's decision is disappointing. “For someone who died for the shirt of the national team, who went through all the youth teams, was always ready and left blood, sweat and tears on the field, this is not the farewell he deserves,” it sounds at Telegraph.

“Tadic has brought a debt to Serbia with his goals and assists, leadership and behaviour on and off the pitch. It is true that he is 35 years old, he is not in the prime of his career, but a farewell is done in style, with announcement and spectacle.”

“But Tadic doesn't want anyone to continue humiliating and belittling him, so he has decided to retire quietly, without public insults, openly or hidden in interviews. He was captain and leader and he is retiring as captain and coach.”

More sports news