Ivan Franjic reveals serious risk of injury he faced by playing in Asian Cup final

WITH no alternatives available for the Socceroos, Ivan Franjic selflessly risked serious injury to play in January’s Asian Cup final against South Korea.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 31: Ivan Franjic of Australia celebrates after Massimo Luongo of Australia scored his teams first goal during the 2015 Asian Cup final match between Korea Republic and the Australian Socceroos at ANZ Stadium on January 31, 2015 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

AN underdone player taking the spot of a fully fit one can be selfish, but with no alternate right-backs for the Socceroos, Ivan Franjic selflessly risked serious injury to play in the Asian Cup final.

Having strained his adductor against UAE four days earlier, the decision almost backfired when he was booked within two minutes as South Korea bombarded the Socceroos’ defence.

Franjic, who revealed he was made aware of the risks by the Socceroos medical staff, lasted 74 minutes before tearfully limping off ANZ Stadium for Matt McKay.

“Definitely (feared there could be more damage), there was always that option,’’ Franjic said.

“I spoke to the physio and he said there’s always a chance there could be more serous damage because it will be compensating a bit.

Ivan Franjic risked serious injury by lining up in the Asian Cup final.

“But it’s a grand final for your country so you don’t want to miss it.

“There was a lot of sore and injured boys afterwards but it shows that every player gives their all for their country and puts their bodies on the line and always will do because putting on that green and gold jersey means everything to us.

“For the team it couldn’t have gone any better and personally playing six games and getting through all bar the last 30 minutes was exceptional, especially considering the lack of game time, hopefully I can take my form back to Russia.’’

The injury to the Torpedo Moscow player delayed his Russian return, which was almost canned altogether when a loan deal, understood to be with Melbourne City, was all but agreed.

Ivan Franjic of Australia heads the ball during the 2015 Asian Cup final.

Buoyed by his double-assist Asian Cup debut against Kuwait, his club torpedoed plans to offload him.

However Franjic has remained in Melbourne to complete his rehab, hopeful of being fit for Australia’s Germany friendly on March 25.

“I’m a couple of weeks away from being back and fully fit,’’ he said.

“Torpedo’s first game back is March 8, I’m unlikely for that one, but I might be back there after.

“The Germany game is only two weeks later, so it’s up to the coaching staff and the medical team.

“I had a few A-League clubs interested around January, just before Asian Cup, then I played a few Asian Cup games and the club was watching and they wanted me back.

“It’s part of the game, they’re happy what they saw and I’m due to go back now.’’

“I’ll go back and hopefully get an opportunity to start playing because I do believe in myself and know I can play, it’s just a matter of getting appearances and showing the coaching staff.’’

Franjic’s Torpedo contract expires a year out from the 2018 World Cup in Russia, when he’ll be 30.

A late bloomer, he’s unsure of his club destination but is confident he’ll be a member of Ange Postecoglou’s squad.

Having played semi-professionally until an age when most of his Socceroos teammates would’ve been entrenched at their clubs, Franjic is confident his best is ahead of him.

“Hopefully I’ll still be in Europe (in 2018). First up is the Confederations Cup in 2017, so exciting times ahead,’’ Franjic said.

“People tend to forget I started my career a lot later than anyone else, played my first pro game at 22, so around 29 to 30 I’ll be hitting my peak.

“I was a carpenter on a site for five years, lifting everyday and you always feel your back and shoulders, so it’s definitely a factor (with injuries) but it is what it is.

“I think so (the late start will help him prolong his career). If you put me as a midfielder these injuries won’t be happening.

“My position is explosive and you’re always up and down the line.

“You’re doing more sprints and accelerations, maybe that’s having a toll, because all my injuries are soft tissue.

“From 18-22 I missed a huge chunk of development which would’ve made me a lot better player, but I’m here now and don’t take it for granted.’’

Franjic certainly hasn’t forgotten his roots, visiting his former clubs Melbourne Knights and St Albans Saints _ where he was recently named no. 1 ticket holder _ and another Croatian-backed club Dandenong City, since winning the Asian Cup.

Each time he was accompanied by proud parents Franjo and Sanja, who ensure he’s feet remain on the ground despite the wave of publicity and millions of Russian Rubles he’s earning.

Originally published as Ivan Franjic reveals serious risk of injury he faced by playing in Asian Cup final