Real Madrid forward criticized by home country for breaking quarantine rules

Real Madrid’s Luka Jovic is facing criticism from his own country for violating quarantine.

Real Madrid was one of the first teams to quarantine following the news that someone on the basketball team tested positive for COVID-19. Because they share facilities with the football team, the club decided everyone needed to self-isolate.

The situation has gotten progressively more delicate with countries closing their borders and enacting quarantine rules advising people not to leave their homes unless absolutely necessary.

Those rules apply to football players as well but it looks like Luka Jovic went against those rules. His actions have drawn criticism from the Serbia Prime Minister Ana Brnabic.

"“Unfortunately, we have negative examples being set by our football stars,” Brnabic said.“They earn millions and ignore mandatory self-isolation orders upon returning home.”Source: Marca"

Jovic offered a response to his criticism but it was from an apology.

"“Firstly, I’m very sorry to be the main talking point these days and I’m sorry that I’m the one constantly being written about and not those key protagonists who are fighting this crisis, who are the doctors and all those working in health.“In Madrid, my COVID-19 test was negative, so I decided to travel to Serbia, to help and support our people as well as to be close to my family, with the club’s permission.“Upon arriving in Serbia, I was tested and it came out negative.”Source: Marca"

Jovic went on to say that he was sorry that those responsible haven’t done their job and given him instructions on how he’s supposed to behave during isolation. It does not necessarily sound like he’s genuinely sorry and trying to pass on the blame to someone else.

To make matter worse, Jovic reportedly signed an official document outlining the procedures that people needed to take during this time. If the document is authentic, it clearly contradicts his statement that someone failed to do their jobs.

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Jovic’s non-apology is going to come across even worse. What he should have done is simply apologize for not being as careful as he should have instead of trying to throw someone under the bus.

Fair to say things have not gone as well as Jovic would have hoped when he first signed for Real Madrid in the summer. He burst onto the scene with Eintracht Frankfurt and was supposed to be the heir apparent to Karim Benzema.

Instead, he’s struggled for playing time and has not offered much even when given the opportunity. He’s managed only two goals in all competitions this season. Given the amount Madrid dished out for him, it isn’t anywhere near good enough.

If and when the season continues, he’s going to need to start scoring if he wants to have a future at the club. Considering the persisting rumours about Kylian Mbappe, they might just cut bait with Jovic and cover his spot with the star Frenchman.

For more information about COVID-19, visit the CDC’s website or the website for your state’s Department of Health