Der Feuerwehrmann brach die Vorbereitungen ab, stieg in ein Flugzeug und flog sofort nach Mailand.

Petar Sučić abruptly ended his preparations with Inter Milan and immediately boarded a flight to Milan after learning that his wife was in labor. The Croatian midfielder left Perth, Australia, where he had been training with the team ahead of the upcoming derby against AC Milan, which took place far from Italy. According to reports, Sučić was informed shortly before the match that his wife, Matea Rak, had gone into labor and rushed to the hospital. As a result, he did not participate in the game, which ended in a 1-1 draw. Sučić married Matea Rak in January of this year at Lake Como. During the World Cup, while playing against Iran and scoring a goal, he revealed he was expecting a child. He made the announcement in a classic football manner, holding a ball under his jersey and putting a finger in his mouth, mimicking a flute. At that time, he confirmed that his wife was pregnant. Due to the World Cup and the subsequent break, Sučić has not yet completed the full preparation process. He traveled with the team to Australia despite knowing the schedule was tight. There, he mainly participated in running drills before quickly returning to Europe. The club decided that he should remain in contention for selection. Throughout the summer, there were inquiries about Sučić from several clubs, particularly Newcastle United and Leeds United. However, Inter Milan stated that Sučić was not available for transfer. He returned from Australia earlier than the rest of the squad, but this will have no impact on his position within the team led by Christian Chivu. Moreover, becoming a father at the age of 22 will serve as additional motivation for him. Sučić and Matea Rak met in Zagreb, where she studied at the Faculty of Health Studies, and he played for Dinamo Zagreb. Their relationship began during their time in Zagreb, and they eventually tied the knot in January. Now, with the birth of their child approaching, Sučić’s focus shifts to family life, even as he continues his career with Inter Milan. The decision for Sučić to return to Europe so swiftly highlights the importance of family in his life. His absence from the derby against AC Milan underscores how personal circumstances can influence professional decisions. Despite the potential distraction, the club appears confident in his ability to maintain his form and contribute to the team's success moving forward. Sučić’s journey from Zagreb to international stardom has been marked by key moments, including his World Cup goal and the recent revelation of his impending parenthood. These developments have added new dimensions to his career, blending personal milestones with professional ambitions. His commitment to both family and football is evident, and his actions reflect a balance between these two aspects of his life. As the season progresses, Sučić’s role within Inter Milan will be closely watched. His performance on the field, combined with the responsibilities of fatherhood, could shape his future contributions to the team. The club’s support for his personal life indicates a willingness to accommodate such situations, ensuring that players can manage both their careers and families effectively. With the birth of his child imminent, Sučić faces a new chapter in his life. This transition may bring additional pressure, but it also serves as a powerful motivator. His story exemplifies how athletes navigate the challenges of balancing personal and professional commitments, often making difficult choices to prioritize what matters most.