RANGERS defender Borna Barisic has admitted the World Cup exhausted him both physically and mentally after he was honoured by his home town following Croatia's bronze medal.
The full back only featured in one game during the tournament, but it was an important one as he played for 120 minutes as Croatia beat Japan in the Round of 16 after a penalty shootout.
Barisic is back in his homeland as Croatia celebrated their third-placed spot and he was one of three squad players, along with vice-captain Domagoj Vida and back-up keeper Ivica Ivusic, who are all from Osijek and were given another medal by their home city.
But the Ibrox stopper - who is due back with Michael Beale's side next week - admitted the World Cup had taken a lot out of him.
He said: "I wore myself out to the maximum - both physically and mentally.
"Honestly, the tournament was very stressful.
"Japan was the worst for me because I played and of course, it went to penalties too.
"But in the end, it paid off. It's what you become a footballer for.
"I hope and live for the dream that one day I will return to Osijek with a gold medal from the World Cup and not just a bronze one.
"Our hearts beat for the people of the city, because we know how proud you were and how much you enjoyed being with us throughout our journey. We are overjoyed that we could bring a medal to Osijek."
Osijek mayor Ivan Radic added: "These players won a bronze medal, for us in Osijek, they are all gold medal winners."
The Insider newsletter is the latest move by the team at the Rangers Review to bring content directly to you. We already have accounts on Facebook, Youtube, Twitter, Tik Tok and Instagram but we will also send exclusive bespoke opinion pieces every day at 5pm direct to your email. Not only will you receive this piece from one of our team of Joshua Barrie, Derek Clark or Jonny McFarlane but you will also get our list of the best content published in the last 24 hours. It's a handy way to keep abreast of what's going on amid all the noise surrounding Scotland's most successful club. You can sign up in five seconds with just an email address.
