Portsmouth favourite Adrian Segecic explains emotional reason behind shock international switch ahead of World Cup
Pompey forward Adrian Segecic switched international allegiances over the weekend as he turned his back on Australia for Croatia.
Adrian Segecic has admitted he felt a ‘desire’ to represent his ‘homeland’ after he turned his back on Australia.
And the Pompey forward has expressed his excitement at linking up with former Fratton favourite Niko Kranjcar, who is part of Croatia’s U21 coaching set-up.
It was confirmed via FIFA’s Change of Association Platform on Friday that the highly-rated 21-year-old opted to switch international allegiances to the country his grandparents originate from.
Segecic - born in Sydney - represented the Socceroos at all-age groups from U15 to U23 level, but failed to make a senior appearance despite being called up on three occasions by head coach Tony Popovic.
Why Pompey forward made international switch
His move comes a week before the final international break of the season and months before the World Cup, which kicks off in the United States, Canada and Mexico in June - a tournament the Fratton talent will be hoping he can play a part in.
Although Segecic will initially start with the U21’s outfit, where he will link up with Blues FA Cup winner Kranjcar, the exciting attacker has explained the key reasons behind his international switch.
Speaking on the Croatia Football Federation's website, he said: ‘It wasn’t easy to make this decision because I grew up in Australia, which I represented at youth levels, so I would like to express my gratitude to the coaches and teammates with whom I shared the dressing room.
‘However, my family is from Croatia and I feel a connection to the Croatian people.
‘I felt the desire to represent Croatia as my homeland. I thank the Croatian Football Federation for their dedication during this process – I clearly felt the desire from people in the Federation for me to become part of the Croatian football family.
‘I am looking forward to joining the squad of head coach Ivica Olić with the U21 national team, whose staff also includes Niko Kranjčar, who left a big mark at Portsmouth.
‘I will continue to work hard to fulfil my football dream of playing for the senior Croatian national team.
The forward remains the Blues’ top scorer in all competitions with six goals in his 32 appearances so far at PO4.
Pompey favourite to play ‘major’ part in Croatia set-up
And Technical Director of Croatia’s senior and U21 national teams, Stipe Pletikosa, believes the young forward will be a vital addition to the national set-up - which will see him initially begin in the U21s.
He added: ‘First of all, I would like to thank Adrian and his family for the pleasant communication we had during this period.
‘Without their clear desire, there would be no point in entering such a process in which we invested significant effort, because we firmly believe Adrian’s talent has a clear perspective in the senior national team.
‘Of course, it is up to Adrian to continue working as he has done so far, which I do not doubt considering everything he has shown in his career. It will be great to see him in the Croatian jersey very soon with the U-21 national team, where I am convinced he will be a major reinforcement.
‘I would also like to thank president Kustić for the support he provides in our work, as well as the legal team that presented this case to FIFA in a high-quality manner. Now we can look forward to what Adrian will bring to Croatian football.’