Dusan Tadic Ends Two-Year International Retirement to Rejoin Serbia National Team
After stepping away from international football following Euro 2024, Dusan Tadic has announced he will represent Serbia once again. The 37-year-old former Southampton forward revealed his comeback shortly after playing for NEC Nijmegen in a tough 5-0 loss against Juventus. This decision ends a two-year break from the national team and signals a fresh chapter for both player and country.
A Veteran Leader Back on the Field
Tadic holds the record for most appearances with Serbia, having earned 111 caps. His return is seen as a significant boost for the squad, bringing experience and leadership. He shared his motivation: "I want to help my country again. I feel the joy of playing for the nation. It always brings pride. You will soon see me in the match against the Netherlands," he told Ziggo Sport.
Return Fueled by Move to European Football
The Serbian Football Association kept reaching out to Tadic since his retirement, but his stint in Saudi Arabia made travel and availability difficult. His transfer to NEC Nijmegen in the Eredivisie revitalized his physical condition and reignited his ambition to wear the national jersey once more.
"When I stopped, the association called several times to come back. At that time, I wasn’t physically ready. Playing in Saudi Arabia meant long travel distances that were hard to manage," Tadic explained.
Reflecting on NEC’s Heavy Defeat to Juventus
Despite the joy of his international return, Tadic's club faced a harsh night against Juventus, losing 5-0. He acknowledged tactical weaknesses, particularly in defense and communication. "We should have supported each other better to keep spaces tight. Instead, we conceded goals too easily. Our communication wasn’t what it needed to be. Against a team like Juventus, that makes for a tough evening. When we had the ball, we didn’t always make good decisions," he admitted.
Upcoming Challenges in UEFA Nations League
Tadic returns at a crucial time for Serbia, with four demanding matches in the Nations League. The schedule leaves little room for easing in. Serbia will host Greece in Belgrade on September 24, then face the Netherlands on September 27. Following these home games, they travel to Munich to play Germany on October 1, and then back to the Netherlands for a game in Eindhoven on October 4.
- UEFA Nations League Fixtures:
- September 24: Serbia vs Greece (Belgrade)
- September 27: Serbia vs Netherlands
- October 1: Germany vs Serbia (Munich)
- October 4: Netherlands vs Serbia (Eindhoven)
