Josip Iličić (foto: Posnetek zaslona)
Josip Iličić says he will take time to consider his future after the season ends, as Maribor shift focus to younger players.
Josip Iličić has revealed he will take time to reflect on his future at the end of the current season, with the veteran forward admitting that changes at Maribor could influence his decision.
The 37-year-old Slovenian international returned to Italy over the weekend to take part in a ceremony honouring Giuseppe Rossi, his former teammate at Fiorentina. While speaking to Fiorentina’s official channels, Iličić addressed his current status and the uncertainty surrounding what comes next.
"When I returned to Slovenia, I had some problems at first — a tendon injury and I was carrying too much weight," he admitted. "But I’m very happy that I managed to get back in shape, play the league season, and fulfill my dream of representing Slovenia at a major international tournament."
Iličić, who remains active unlike most of the players who participated in the celebratory event, acknowledged that the landscape at his club is changing, with a growing focus on younger players.
"In football, things change quickly. My club decided to focus on younger players. That’s just how it is. I want to help them, but after that I need to think carefully and decide what to do at the end of the season," he said.
Still held in high regard in Italy, Iličić's words suggest a possible farewell or retirement decision could be on the horizon, although nothing is set in stone yet.