Father of Croatia prospect says HNS approached them first, not his son

Adrian Segečić’s move from Australia to Croatia has reopened a debate over who made the first approach. His father, Steven, says the answer is clear: the Croatian Football Federation contacted the family, not the player.

“Adrian played for Croatian diaspora clubs, so they had followed him from a young age. He certainly did not contact anyone, the Croats called us,” Steven Segečić said. He added that the Croatian federation had known about his son for years and worked to show that it wanted him.

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Adrian played for Croatian diaspora clubs, so they had followed him from a young age. He certainly did not contact anyone, the Croats called us.

The 22-year-old winger became one of Croatia’s emerging prospects in 2026. Playing for Portsmouth, he scored 11 goals and provided four assists in 38 Championship appearances. Former Croatia coach Zlatko Dalić handed him a preliminary call-up in May, only months after Segečić had changed his sporting nationality and before he had made a senior appearance for Croatia.

Segečić had previously represented Australia throughout much of the youth system, from under-17 to under-23 level. Tony Popović also called him into the Socceroos’ senior camp for the first time last September, but he did not play against New Zealand and received no further call-ups afterward.

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After the Australian camp for the matches against New Zealand, Adrian received no feedback from the national team. There was no contact with Popović, absolutely nothing. Adrian did not expect special treatment, but without any communication everything became difficult.

Steven said the lack of communication made the decision difficult. “After the Australian camp for the matches against New Zealand, Adrian received no feedback from the national team. There was no contact with Popović, absolutely nothing. Adrian did not expect special treatment, but without any communication everything became difficult,” he said.

The family also described the Croatian federation’s approach as respectful. “We felt respect throughout our conversations with the Croatian federation from the very beginning. They did not put any pressure on us and told Adrian to take the time he needed before making a final decision. When he finally decided, the HNS told him they would do everything he needed.”

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We felt respect throughout our conversations with the Croatian federation from the very beginning. They did not put any pressure on us and told Adrian to take the time he needed before making a final decision. When he finally decided, the HNS told him they would do everything he needed.