sportskeeda
FORMER Real Madrid player Predrag Spasic was once on the brink of achieving greatness.
However, after grappling with depression and suffering bankruptcy, he found himself working in a warehouse for just £330 a month.
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Now 59 years old, Spasic hails from Serbia, which was previously part of Yugoslavia, and was once seen as a potential world-class centre-back.
He first garnered attention in his homeland by playing for Partizan Belgrade.
In 1990, he made an exciting transfer to Real Madrid.
Unfortunately, his experience at the Bernabeu did not unfold as he had hoped.
During his single season with Real, he featured in only 22 matches.
Spasic became well-known for scoring a crucial own-goal during a 2-1 Clasico defeat against fierce rivals Barcelona.
This moment continues to haunt him, as he reflects: “One unfortunate game altered everything. My life shifted after that encounter with Barcelona at Camp Nou.”
“I never meant to score an own goal; it was a nightmare. I recall that moment so clearly. The ball hit me and rolled into the net; I wished I could just vanish.”
“Camp Nou defined my destiny as a player. The chants of ‘Spasic, Spasic’ from the Barcelona fans still echo in my ears.”
He continued his career in Spain for three additional seasons with Osasuna.
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However, his time at Osasuna concluded with the team’s relegation in 1994.
Spasic played just 13 more games before his career dwindled with Atletico Marbella and Radnicki Beograd.
He also earned 31 caps for the Yugoslav national team during his career.
Ultimately, his playing career came to an end in 1997 at the age of 32.
Afterward, Spasic faced bankruptcy after making ill-fated investments in a business that collapsed due to the Yugoslav wars.
This situation forced him to take a job in a warehouse, earning merely £330 a month.
I lived in silence, I locked myself away.
Predrag Spasic
Shortly afterward, Spasic fell into a deep depression.
Fortunately, he has made strides toward recovery, receiving support from a group for former footballers, and reports indicate that Real Madrid also extended assistance to him.
Spasic commented: “I wrestled with depression for ten years, struggling through numerous tough experiences in my life.”
“With the backing of my family, particularly my brother Bojan, and a compassionate doctor, I was able to regain stability and heal from my depression.”
He added: “Today, I feel fulfilled and proud. Looking back, perhaps my mistake was not sharing my struggles. Everything that happened impacted me deeply, and I isolated myself from everyone.”
“Returning to my homeland, I was engulfed in deep sadness. My loyal friends supported me through my darkest times, and with the help of psychologists, I discovered a path forward.”
“It was an all-encompassing experience — a series of setbacks that ultimately brought me to my breaking point.”
