Bojan Krkic has hit out the Spanish Football Federation for ‘not fairly explaining’ why he turned down a call to Spain’s Euro 2008 squad.
Just 17 at the time, the striker had just completed his first full season at senior level having broken into the Barcelona team.
Prior to the tournament in Austria and Switzerland, it was confirmed that the striker had asked then Coach Luis Aragones not to be included for personal reasons.
The player himself was soon after quoted as explaining that the reason was fatigue. However, it was a decision that the player feels few have understood since and that the RFEF did not help explain clearly.
“I do not regret the decision I made,” the player reflected today in an interview with Grada 360.
“The Federation knows what the reason is for me not going to the European Championship, but they have not broadcast it in a timely manner.
“How can a player of 17 say no to going to the Euros? There was a justifiable reason and they knew what it was.”
Another regular issue discussed with the player is how his time at Barcelona ended, with a falling out with Pep Guardiola seen as the reason for his sale in 2011.
“Each will have his own experience no? In my case I had no problem and it is not necessary to go over it.
“I had the great pleasure of playing at the club and certainly had a thousand things to improve, but I was very content.”
Bojan joined Milan this summer from Roma and reflected on how he is settling in at his new club.
“I’m only 22 years old and sometimes people think that I am older and expect more of me than what I am.
“But I am calm and demonstrate that I have yet a long way to go to improve and learn.
“The experience at Milan has been very positive. The atmosphere is fantastic and my teammates have welcomed me.
“There are many new players here and some very important players. The fans are closely linked to the club, they are helping a lot and with a little patience we will get things done.”
The player reflected on his personal adaptation on the pitch.
“Calcio is a difficult League for strikers. It is much more tactical and attackers have less prominence in terms of opportunities, but for me it is still a very important experience.”
The Spaniard is in the rare position of having had direct experience of the Clasico, the Rome derby and the Milan derby.
“All three are special and very different. Barca-Madrid is a worldwide classic, the Rome derby I was shocked by the rivalry and the competition between the players and the Milan derby I really enjoyed the respect and seniority that permeates at San Siro.”
