Igor Stimac described his plight as India’s football team head coach in a bombshell press conference, days after being sacked by the All India Football Federation (AIFF) from the position.

The Croatian made several allegations about the governing body of Indian football and mentioned that the body failed to recognize that the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers were bigger than the Asian Cup qualifiers. Furthermore, he mentioned that the entire situation with the AIFF was disturbing and he had to undergo heart surgery in December last year.

“After I told them that the World Cup Qualifiers were more important than the Asian Cup. I received a final warning from AIFF. When I received the final warning on December 2. No one knows this, I finished in the hospital. I was disturbed with everything going on; stressed from the obvious problems. I had an immediate surgery on my heart. I wasn’t ready to speak to anyone or find excuses. I was ready to put myself on the line to prepare my team for the Asian Cup to give the best shot,” Igor Stimac said in the press conference on Friday.

“Not surprised about parting ways. Most of my senior players knew I had decided to leave even after had qualified for the third round. It was impossible for me to go on without proper support, full of lies and people who had only private interests,” he further added.

Stimac thanked the Indian football fans for backing him besides mentioning that it was an honour to serve them for five years.

“To all Indian football fans and my blue tigers, It’s been an honour to serve you over the last 5 years. I didn’t expect to form such a strong bond with this country and be so personally invested when I first joined you all. I’m proud of every player and team member. Together,” he said.