Former Croatia international ​Nikola Pokrivac has tragically died at the age of 39 following a car accident in Karlovac, Croatia.

According to local police, the incident occurred on Friday evening as Pokrivac was returning from training with his current team, NK Vojnic, a fourth-division club.

The crash involved four vehicles and also claimed the life of another individual not traveling with Pokrivac. Two of his teammates sustained critical injuries and remain hospitalised.

The Croatian Football Federation said in a statement: ‘It is impossible to find words of comfort in such a shocking and unimaginably sad moment when we have lost a young life.’

Their president Marijan Kustic added: ‘I can only express my deepest condolences to Nikola’s family and loved ones for this irreplaceable loss, and the HNS and the Croatian football family will stand by them in these most difficult moments.

‘Nikola was an exceptional footballer who lived for football until his very last moment in this world, and who showed great courage in life by overcoming a cruel illness.