Former Croatia & Monaco midfielder Nikola Pokrivac killed in horror car crash aged 39

The Croatian Football Federation announced the passing of the international midfielder, who played for Dinamo Zagreb, Monaco and Red Bull Salzburg. Reports in Croatia state he was in a car with three NK Vojnic team-mates when he was involved in a four-vehicle collision.

Pokrivac was diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma in 2015 before returning to amateur football with NK Vojnic last summer. He played 15 times for his national team between 2008-10.

The Croatian Federation president Marijan Kustic said: "Nikola was a great football player, who lived football until his last moment in this world, and who showed great courage in life by overcoming a terrible disease. This is a great loss for our football community, and especially painful for the family."

Pokrivac played at Euro 2008 for Croatia before featuring twice against England in qualifying for the 2010 World Cup. Kustic added: "It is impossible to find words of comfort in such a shocking and unimaginably sad moment when we have lost a young life. I can only express my deepest condolences to Nikola's family and loved ones for this irreparable loss."