Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic shrugged off ‘absurd’ allegations he is not starting for Serbia at the World Cup because of an affair with his teammate’s wife. ‘I am prepared to take legal action.’
The centre-forward arrived at the tournament in Qatar carrying a physical problem, a persistent groin injury that has been flaring up in recent weeks at both Juve and on international duty.
Some rumours emerged in the Serbian and Dutch media suggesting Vlahovic was dropped because he had an affair with the wife of Serbia reserve goalkeeper Predrag Rajkovic.
“I am sorry to have to start the press conference in the World Cup this way, but I have to talk about it because this is my name being bandied about,” said Vlahovic sitting alongside Juventus teammate Filip Kostic.
“What we all read and hear about, there’s no need to comment on something so absurd. Evidently these people are bored and have nothing better to do because they are frustrated or angry, but working against the national interest of the team at the moment is obviously their main job right now.
“We are more united than ever and the atmosphere in the squad has never been better. These stories are ridiculous, I just want to protect my name and my integrity, so I will take legal action if necessary.
“It’s not the first time this has happened, I would’ve hoped that people would support the team before such an important match, but instead we are forced to talk about things that have nothing to do with it.
“These are people with empty CVs who achieved nothing, but they will certainly not get extra attention off my name. They have always been small people and prove it day by day.”
Vlahovic did eventually discuss his fitness levels ahead of the decisive group game against Switzerland on Friday.
“I didn’t play because I was not ready enough, but I feel better now and am completely concentrated on the next match.”