Sheffield United defender Anel Ahmedhodzic has severed all ties with his father in a dramatic, public family row - claiming he had done 'horrible things to people I love'.
The centre back recently withdrew from Bosnia and Herzegovina duty and announced he had quit international football entirely, blaming an injury, inadequate medical treatment and insults he received on his social media platforms.
His father had insisted he did not consider him his son 'anymore' and suggested he had been pushed away from representing his country by 'bad people'.
But Ahmedhodzic has hit back by accusing his dad of 'manipulation' and 'bullying'.
In a statement shared by TV station N1, he said: 'The only thing anyone wants from their father as a son is support and pride. Unfortunately, I got very little of that.
'What I got most of the time was manipulation, lies, scams and almost daily bullying.
'This is the type of man who shows his "power" over women, but has never had the guts to stand up to another man.'
He then went on to add: 'So when he [his father] says that I don't care about my parents, it's a complete lie. That's not a man.
'He goes after people I care about every time there's a problem. He did horrible things to people I love but I don't want to talk about that here.'
Ahmedhodzic, who moved to Bramall Lane from Malmo in 2022, has also fiercely defended his partner in another fierce rebuttal to his father's allegations.
'Saying my wife cast black magic on me is very insulting to me and especially to my wife because she is awesome,' he said.
'It is very hard to find a woman who will take care of you like she does and I am very lucky that my son has such an amazing mother.
'And then say that he doesn't let me go to national team matches? It's ridiculous.'
Previously, Mirsad had said: 'No one is a better friend to my son than his parents, but when he listens to the wrong people, what happens to him happens.
'That's not my son anymore, I don't consider him my son anymore. I wish him well.
'I fought the whole war, I was wounded three times.
'I wanted my son to play for the country that I created with my own blood, but he was turned away by bad people who think only of self-interest.'
Ahmedhozic earned a single cap for Sweden in 2020 before switching his allegiance to Bosnia in the same year. He represented the country 24 times.
Anel Ahmedhodzic's Shocking Announcement
Sheffield United defender Anel Ahmedhodzic has made a shocking announcement, severing ties with his father and retiring from international duty with Bosnia, citing personal attacks and inadequate medical care. Ahmedhodzic, who has been a key player for Sheffield United since joining in 2022, revealed in a statement that he has been the victim of manipulation and bullying by his father, Mirsad. Ahmedhodzic alleged that his father has been spreading misinformation about him, including claims that he wants to leave Sheffield United and that his wife has cast black magic on him.
Ahmedhodzic's father, Mirsad, has also made public statements blaming his son's decision to retire from international football on 'bad people' who are influencing him. However, Ahmedhodzic has vehemently denied these claims, stating that his father's actions have been hurtful and damaging to his reputation.
The Fallout from the Family Drama
Ahmedhodzic's decision to cut ties with his father and retire from international football has sent shockwaves through the football world. The news has sparked widespread discussion and debate, with many fans and pundits expressing their support for Ahmedhodzic and condemning his father's behavior.
The drama has also highlighted the challenges faced by athletes who are dealing with personal issues off the field. Ahmedhodzic's story serves as a reminder that athletes are human beings who have their own personal lives and struggles, and that these issues can have a significant impact on their performance and well-being.
The situation has also raised questions about the role of family in an athlete's life and the impact that family dynamics can have on their career. Ahmedhodzic's decision to prioritize his mental health and well-being over playing for his country is a testament to his strength and resilience, and it is a decision that has been praised by many in the football community.
Anel Ahmedhodzic: A Player on the Rise
Despite the turmoil surrounding his personal life, Anel Ahmedhodzic remains a promising young footballer with a bright future ahead of him. He has been a key part of Sheffield United's successful start to the Championship season, and he is a player who has the potential to achieve great things in the game.
Amedhodzic's story is a reminder that personal struggles can be overcome with strength, resilience, and support. It is also a reminder that athletes are human beings who deserve our respect and empathy, regardless of their on-field performance. As fans, we should strive to create a culture of support and understanding for athletes who are facing challenges in their personal lives, so that they can focus on their careers without fear of judgment or criticism.
