Luka Jovic's Father Defends Son After Coronavirus Criticism From Serbian President

​Milan Jovic, Luka's father, has opened up on the criticism his son has faced following his decision to leave Madrid and return to Serbia. 

Jovic has struggled since he made a big money summer move from Eintracht Frankfurt. The Serbia international has made 24 appearances in all competitions this term, but has only managed two goals. 

It has been a hugely difficult first season in Madrid for the 22-year-old, but he has more recently come in for plenty of criticism after he decided to return home to Serbia. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, governments have introduced strict measures in an attempt to combat the spread. Serbia was one of these countries as they imposed a lockdown. 

​It has been explained that all nationals returning to Serbia from abroad after the shut down was imposed were 'required' to sign a document that explained the restrictions and required a name, address and telephone number. And after Jovic failed to comply by allegedly leaving his home and was seen on the streets, Serbia's president did not hold back, claiming that if he leaves his home again, he will be arrested. 

But Luka's father has now explained that it was a 'misunderstanding' that led to him leaving Spain for Serbia, while he has also admitted that he is willing to accept his son going to prison if he did something wrong - but he claims he didn't. 

Speaking to Serbian media outlet Puls Online (as quoted by ​AS), he said: "He had two tests [for coronavirus] 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.

“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, 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.”

Milan also explained that the ​Real Madrid forward went home to be with his family, before adding that he himself knows the truth - there were misunderstandings. 

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

“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."