UPDATE: |Former Croatian footballer Nikola Pokrivac dies aged 39 after fatal car crash News

Nikola Pokrivac has died after being involved in tragic car crash involving four vehicles, which also left two of his team-mates in a critical condition

Former Croatian International Nikola Pokrivac has died at the age of 39 after being involved in a serious four-car crash in Karlovac, Croatia.

The crash on Friday (April 18) also killed one other person and left two of Pokrivac’s NK Vojnic teammates in a critical condition.

According to The Mirror, Pokrivac was travelling with three fellow players from the lower-division club when their vehicle was involved in a multi-car collision.

The Croatian Football Federation, known as the HNS, confirmed the news in a statement. It said: “It is impossible to find words of comfort in such a shocking and unimaginably sad moment when we have lost a young life.”

Its President Marijan Kustic added: “I can only express my deepest condolences to Nikola’s family and loved ones for this irreparable loss, and the HNS and the Croatian football family will be with them in these most difficult moments.”

Pokrivac earned 15 caps for Croatia between 2008 and 2010, making his debut during a strong period for the national team that included a standout run at Euro 2008.

He was part of the squad who famously beat Germany in the group stage of the tournament before going out in the last eight.

At club level, Pokrivac had a successful career that included stints at Dinamo Zagreb, Monaco in France’s Ligue 1, and Austria’s Red Bull Salzburg. He won multiple domestic league titles in Croatia and Austria.

The midfielder received his first call-up in 2008 for Croatia and won his final cap for his country in October 2010 during a friendly against Norway.