Former Croatia Striker Baffled by Schick's National Team Exit: "I'd Give a Kidney for Just One Cap"

A former Croatia national team striker shared his thoughts on the state of Czech football ahead of a new qualifying campaign match, with both sides now led by new coaches — Spaniard Ivan Hašek's successor... actually, Luis de la Fuente-style newcomer for the Czechs, and Slaven Bilić for Croatia. Speaking in an interview, he admitted he simply cannot understand Patrik Schick's decision to retire from international football, though he conceded the striker may have had serious professional reasons behind the choice.

"I'd give a kidney just to play one match for the national team. I don't understand how you could not want to represent your country when the team needs you", the former forward said. He noted that every footballer dreams as a child of one day making it to the national team, and that there's no greater honour for a player. At the same time, he stressed he wasn't judging Schick — there may well be reasons behind the decision that the public simply isn't aware of.

Modrić's Example and Slavia's Injury Crisis

As a counterexample, the former player pointed to Croatia captain Luka Modrić, who at 41 continues to turn out for the national team with clear enjoyment. In his view, if a player is fit enough to play for a top Milan club, there's no reason to skip international duty.

He also commented on the situation surrounding the Czech national team, which is missing six players through injury, five of them from Slavia Prague. He called it a "strange coincidence" but was reluctant to draw hasty conclusions, pointing out that clubs are currently grinding through a packed Champions League schedule and genuinely need every available player. Still, he insisted: "The national team is the national team" — and in his playing days, minor knocks were never considered a valid excuse to skip a call-up.

A Prediction for the New Cycle's Opener

Looking ahead to the Croatia–Czechia clash, the expert recalled that last year's meeting in Prague ended in a goalless draw that suited both sides. This time, he believes, the match will be far more open, as both teams — under new coaches — will be eager to make a strong impression at the start of a new cycle.

He also noted that Croatia boss Bilić has a deep pool of midfield options and could still give Luka Modrić minutes despite his age. As for his own prediction, the former striker backed Croatia to win, citing the squad's higher overall quality and greater cohesion compared to the Czech side.

Around Prague, based on reporting by sport.cz