Ivan Perisic has released a statement in which he alluded to a falling out with Hajduk Split manager Gennaro Gattuso after agreeing to terminate his contract with the Croatian club.
Ivan Perisic left Tottenham in January
Perisic once again finds himself as a free agent, despite technically leaving Tottenham just earlier this summer.
The 35-year-old had spent the second half of last season on loan at Hajduk from Spurs and signed for his boyhood club permanently this summer when his contract at North London ran out.
However, the experienced wing-back’s time at Hajduk proved extremely short-lived and he is now already on the lookout for a new club after terminating his contract with the club.
Perisic refuted suggestions that he used the club as a means to get fit ahead of the Euros, insisting that he was keen to stay and fight for the title. He hinted that he was actually asked to leave by Gattuso ahead of the new season.
Ivan Perisic falls out with Hajduk Split boss
The recently departed Tottenham star told Dalmatinski (as translated by Sport Witness): “I came to Hajduk in the hope that together we will realise our dream and take the title.
“I had a good contract at Tottenham, and even when I was injured, I had an excellent offer from a big foreign club, where I would have fantastic conditions for rehabilitation and at least the same chance to play, as I had here.
“Instead, at the invitation of the club management and the fans, I chose a life without a family living abroad in the hope that I can help fight for the title and place in the group stage of the Champions League. Well, I guess it’s clear to everyone that I didn’t choose Hajduk and Split because of money or healthcare.
“In my desire to help, I put my health and my family on the back burner many times and I don’t regret it because I don’t know any other way, but on Sunday evening someone else stepped forward and decided that he no longer needed my help.”
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Perisic is certainly not going to have a shortage of suitors as several top clubs would jump at the opportunity to sign a player of his experience and quality on a free transfer.