From BZ/dpa
Lazar Samardzic played for the German U21s and was considered a possible candidate for the senior national team. But he will run for another country in the future.
soccer pro Lazar Samardzic has decided against a possible future in the German national team and is now playing for Serbia. The national coach could do that too Hansi Flick change nothing.
Lazar Samardzic made his Bundesliga debut at Hertha in the 2019/20 season. The then coach Bruno Labbadia changed him a total of three times Photo: picture alliance/ GES
“Hansi Flick tried very hard for me and for his part showed me a way with the senior national team, which made me very happy. Of course it’s an honor when the German national coach calls you,” said the 21-year-old midfielder from Udinese Calcio in an interview with Sport1 (Tuesday).
“Nevertheless, at that point I was already sure that I wanted to play for my parents’ home country.”
Lazar Samardzic plays for Udinese Calcio in the Italian Serie A and is a regular there. This season as a midfielder he has scored four goals (3 assists) in 26 games Photo: picture alliance/ AP
Samardzic, who was born in Berlin and has dual citizenship, had played for the German U21s under coach Antonio di Salvo last November, who had also scheduled him for the U21 European Championships in the summer. “Of course, such a decision is not made overnight, it takes time,” said Samardzic.
The sporting perspective was also decisive. He recently had “several conversations” with the Serbian national coach Dragan Stojkovic. “Dragan Stojkovic gave me the feeling very quickly that I could play an important role right away,” said Samardzic. “I’m incredibly proud to be able to take part. My big dream is the EM 2024. It is an honor that I can help to achieve this goal straight away.” He was invited for the international matches against Lithuania (March 24) and Montenegro (March 27).
Debut at Hertha at the age of 18
Samardzic played for Hertha BSC in his hometown when he was young and made his Bundesliga debut at the age of 18. In 2020 he moved to RB Leipzig, just a year later he went to Italy. “I’m 21 now, I’ve played consistently at a high level for a few years and I’m now ready to step on the gas in the national team,” explained Samardzic.