Swansea City midfielder Marko Stamenic says football is helping him refocus after his father's death. The New Zealand international lost his father in October and was granted compassionate leave by former Swans manager Alan Sheehan
Swansea City midfielder Marko Stamenic says football is helping him refocus after his father's death.
The New Zealand international lost his father in October and was granted compassionate leave by former Swans manager Alan Sheehan who told him to spend "as long as he wants" away from the club.
Stamenic missed three Championship games but has featured in every match since returning against Bristol City on 22 November.
The 23-year-old told BBC Sport Wales: "It's been difficult. It comes in waves, as grief does, but football is helping me refocus myself.
"The club, the people around it and of course the players, they've helped immensely, a lot of thanks to them.
"[My] family is doing well, they're living with me and most important is that we're together."
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Stamenic's return to action came for his country on 16 November when New Zealand faced Colombia in Florida.
With the All Whites securing World Cup qualification, if all goes to plan for Stamenic he should be back in the USA this summer, something he says he often spoke about with his father.
"It's always been a dream of mine since growing up. I talked about it a lot with my dad and family so now that that dream is coming true, hopefully touch wood I'm there, I can't wait for it," he said.
When Stamenic returned to Swansea from compassionate leave, he arrived to new boss Vitor Matos after Sheehan's sacking on 11 November.
With three wins from seven Championship games, Matos has overseen some improved Swansea performances and Stamenic says the players are all behind him.
"We really like him. The ideas, the personality he brings, I've said before, it's a really big and important change for us.
"I think it's translating into the games and the performances, most importantly, how we are playing and the fight that we're showing.
"That's what Swansea is about and we're looking forward to many more good games under him."
Category: General Sports
