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Slovenia star Josip Ilicic has revealed that Arsenal and England midfielder Declan Rice complimented him during their UEFA Euro 2024 clash on Tuesday, June 25. He said that Rice paid his respects for his journey and story.
Ilicic used to play for Atalanta and the Slovenian national team before he took a break during the pandemic for mental health reasons. He said that he was going through depression and needed a break. He returned but only to take another break later on.
On Tuesday, he made his first appearance for the Slovenian national team after 955 days. The 36-year-old came on as a substitute in the 75th minute in a goalless draw against England at Euro 2024. After the game, in an interview, Ilicic revealed that Arsenal midfielder Rice shared some lovely words with him, saying (via Sky Italia):
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"My story is inspirational? I'm glad to hear that, honestly. Even today, entering the pitch there was an England player who complimented me. He tolds me he respects me alot. It was nice to hear. My story is well known around the world.
"The player who said that? He's a midfielder for Arsenal, I'm sure you know him."
It was Ilicic's 82nd appearance for Slovenia, in which he's registered 17 goals and 17 assists. With the draw against England, they qualified for the Round of 16 at Euro 2024 as one of the four best third-placed teams.
Arsenal star Declan Rice heaps praise on England teammate
Ahead of England's Euro 2024 clash against Slovenia, Arsenal's Declan Rice heaped praise on Chelsea's Conor Gallagher, saying (via Chelsea News):
“You’ve seen Conor Gallagher’s season this year at Chelsea and if he does start I think you’re going to see exactly what he has done at Chelsea this year.
“He surprised a lot of people. On the ball, off the ball, what he gives for the team, how unselfish he is.”
Gallagher featured as a substitute in the first two games for England at Euro 2024 in their 1-0 win over Serbia and a 1-1 draw against Denmark. He then started against Slovenia but was subbed off at halftime for Kobbie Mainoo.
At club level, Gallagher had an excellent season with Chelsea, captaining them for most parts in Reece James and Ben Chilwell's absence. He made 50 appearances across competitions, scoring seven goals and providing nine assists.
