Muslim Adem Ljajic is kicked out the Serbian squad for refusing to sing the national anthem

Adem Ljajic has had a crazy last month.

The 20-year-old Serb starlet who was once on the books of Manchester United hit the headlines at the beginning of May when, playing for Fiorentina, he was attacked by then manager Delio Rossi in the dug-out. (Recall that incident here.)

Fast forward to less than a month later, and another former Fiorentina coach has now lost his rag with Ljajic.

Sinisa Mihajlovic sent the youngster packing from Serbia’s national squad on Monday because the forward refused to sing the national anthem before the friendly match with Spain.

Interestingly, Ljajic started the match against Spain on the bench and his silence during the national anthem was not captured on film (see here).

On his return from the national squad and mobbed by journalists at the airport in Switzerland, Ljajic, a Muslim, explained his actions as follows: “I’m sorry… I love Serbia, but I have to respect my beliefs. I’ve always wanted to play for this country… The coach asked me to sing the national anthem, but if you do not respect yourself, no one can respect you.”

Watch Ljajic’s interview (in Serbian) at the airport here.