“I’ve watched national team matches before. Of course, I know all the players, some of them personally as Pirća, who I play with in Maribor”, Hotić said at the beginning of the interview, and continues, “I am very happy as I am a part of this team now and as I got an invitation from the head coach.”

Immediately after FIFA’s approval to change his sports citizenship, an invitation for the BH national team followed; was this a surprise or did you expect it anyway?

“I admit that the invitation surprised me. First, they congratulated me on being given the ‘green light’ for playing in the BH national team, and shortly thereafter an invitation followed and I urgently had to go to the gathering. I wasn’t even in Maribor, but I quickly got organized myself and managed to come, so I can train today.”

Who was prouder, you or your parents?

“It is an honour to wear a national team jersey. My parents are from Bosnia and Herzegovina and they were very proud to hear that I was invited, just like I was. It is not only a step up in my career, but also an opportunity to prove and feel what it means to play here in front of BH fans that I know from before that is very dedicated to the national team.”

Do you expect your first appearance against Finland on Saturday?

“I don’t really expect to play immediately, because everything happened quickly, but I certainly want it, as every player does. I will do my best to show what I know in training sessions and the head coach will decide if I will play.”