Luka Jovic's father has defended his son in the wake of the Real Madrid striker’s decision to break quarantine to travel back to his native Serbia, explaining that a “misunderstanding” led him to believe there was no problem with him leaving Spain.

Speaking to the Serbian media oulet Puls Online, Milan Jovic also addressed talk of the 22-year-old facing criminal charges after allegedly flouting Serbian self-isolation rules following his return to the country.

Criticism for flying back to Serbia:

“He had two tests and both came back negative. However, there was a misunderstanding and he didn’t realise that he still couldn’t leave the country. He thought that he could after his negative tests.”

Jovic at risk of criminal charges:

“Now he’s being made to seem like a criminal. If he has to go to prison, let him go to prison. If he’s guilty of wrongdoing, then I’m completely in agreement with the [Serbian] president and prime minister, [Aleksandar Vucic and Ana Brnabic]. I support the decision - but only if he was in the wrong. He came to Belgrade and shut himself in his apartment straight away. The photos showing him [out] having fun are from Spain and were taken months ago.”

Jovic didn’t travel home for girlfriend’s birthday:

“Luka came to Serbia to be with his family […]. He didn’t come just because of Sofia. He wanted to be with his nearest and dearest in Serbia.”

Family's support for Jovic:

“As a family, we’re right behind Luka and his decision. If people want to criticise him, they should do so in a civilised manner. It doesn’t hurt me, I know the truth. Things have been exaggerated, there were misunderstandings”.