Nikolai Kalinic sent home after refusing to play against Nigeria
- Nikola Kalinic has been expelled from the Croatian team in Russia
- The AC Milan striker reportedly refused to come on against Nigeria
- Croatia will face Argentina in their next crucial Group D fixture
Group D leaders Croatia have thrown Nikola Kalinic out of their World Cup squad after he refused to play.
The striker was named on the bench in Group D's 2-0 victory over Nigeria at the Kaliningrad Stadium om June,16.
National team coach Zlatko Dalic ordered the striker to get ready to come on late in the 2-0 victory over the West African nation but Kalinic refused.
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According to Croatian media outlet 24sata, the AC Milan star declined to enter the thick og things and that has been axed by Dalic.
The 30-year-old striker has been sent home on Monday, June, 18,him home this morning.
The shocking incident was referred to by the manager after the game when he told reporters the team had finished without injuries but “with a problem”.
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The Croatian FA has not confirmed the forward’s expulsion and coach Dalic is set to give a detailed report to the media later this afternoon.
The news comes amid apparent transfer talks between the Serie A side and Sevilla for Kalinic.
The La Liga side want to bring the experienced striker in on a season-long loan deal but the San Siro outfit are looking for a permanent £17.5m deal.
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Meanwhile, Legit.ng had earlier reported that Croatia defeated Nigeria in their first Group D match.
An own goal from Oghenekaro Etebo an a Luka Modric's second half penalty was enough to get a 2-0 win from the Africans.
Which Nigerian player do you expect to shine at the Russia 2018 World Cup? (Street Gist) - on Legit.ng TV
Source: Legit.ng
