Napoli midfielder Stanislav Lobotka has been praised by coach Francesco Calzona for deciding to play for Slovakia just hours after his father died.
The news came before their crucial EURO 2024 qualifier against Portugal last night.
Although he was given the option of returning home to be with his family, Lobotka managed to start the match and played 83 minutes in Friday’s 1-0 defeat.
“We send an affectionate embrace to Lobotka,” Slovakia coach Calzona said in his press conference.
“Despite what happened, he remained with us. This surprised me too and I am glad to work with Stan, who is a great player, but also a great man.”
It was indeed originally reported that Lobotka would be leaving the Slovakia camp.
There is another game coming up against Liechtenstein.