Josip Ilicic returned to football this weekend after battle with depression, scored for new club

Josip Ilicic scored on his second debut for Slovenian outfit Maribor over the weekend in his first game since May.

The 34-year-old has had a tricky few years battling mental health issues. Former Atalanta teammate Papu Gomez claimed back in 2020 Ilicic suffered from depression after being diagnosed with Covid-19.

Ilicic's situation has previously been described as 'complex', given his importance to Atalanta. The Slovenia striker regularly hit double figures during his time in Bergamo but the club didn't want to rush his recovery.

Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini discussed Ilicic's situation back in January, declaring: "We have known him for many years, had many happy moments together. I can say he is a very normal, positive person, but the insides of our minds are like a jungle. It’s tough for psychiatrists to work out what’s going on, let alone for us.

"I just hope he can return and rediscover some joy playing on the pitch.

"He knows as a person we’ll wait for him forever. As a player, I cannot answer that, it’s all very unpredictable and delicate."

In September, both parties agreed to terminate Ilicic's contract by mutual consent after featuring in two games in 2022. He decided to return 'home' to Maribor, who he played for in 2010, a month later.

Ilicic came on as a substitute against Mura on Sunday. He looked every bit of the player once included in Serie A Team of the Year.

The forward was technically superior to all of his opponents, popping the ball through their legs while showcasing a number of other skills.

Late on, he managed to win a penalty after being hauled down inside the Mura box.

Knowing his moment had arrived, Ilicic took a huge deep breath before stepping up to the spot.

He fired his effort past Kai Cipot and approached the home end with his arms extended.

Teammates were quick to surround Ilicic and give him a huge hug. Things you love to see.

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Fans online have reacted to the compilation and they're happy to see Ilicic back in action.

One person said: "He's got the potential to boss it once he's back to full fitness."

Another put: "An absolute baller."

While someone commented: "Very glad he's back."

Topics: Atalanta

Daniel Marland

Daniel is a social editor for SPORTbible after moving from the writing team. Nearly scored past Stormzy at Old Trafford once.

@DanMarland_