Stamenic gets love back after traumatic year
Swansea City midfielder Marko Stamenic says the support of those around the Championship club has helped him rediscover his love for football, a year on from joining from Nottingham Forest. The 24-year-old has settled into life at Swansea despite the sudden death of his father Nikola, whom he describes as the "main figure" in his development as a player, last October.
Stamenic, who marked 12 months at the club this week, also drew strength from playing at this summer's World Cup with New Zealand, an experience made poignant by memories of watching the 2010 tournament with his father as a boy. Though the All Whites exited at the group stage, Stamenic called the experience "amazing" and used the shortened summer to get engaged to his partner, Monica, before returning for pre-season with Swansea, who face Sheffield United in their first home league game of the new season on Saturday.
- Stamenic reflects on tough year after father's death last October
- Swansea midfielder found comfort from club and New Zealand World Cup run
- Prepares for first home game of season vs Sheffield United on Saturday
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Swansea City midfielder Marko Stamenic joined the Welsh club from Nottingham Forest a year ago, and has spoken about how the people at Swansea have helped him settle in and enjoy the game again. Swansea currently play in the Championship, English football's second tier, and are due to start their new league season at home to Sheffield United.
The 24-year-old New Zealand international has faced significant personal loss during his time at the club, following the sudden death of his father Nikola last October. Nikola Stamenic is described as having played a major part in his son's development as a footballer, which adds weight to how the player has talked about rebuilding his relationship with the sport.
Stamenic also represented New Zealand, known as the All Whites, at this year's World Cup, an experience that carried extra personal significance given memories of watching a previous tournament with his late father as a child.