World Cup finalist Ivan Strinic puts career on hold after shock heart problem revealed
The left-back started six of Croatia's World Cup matches and moved to AC Milan on a free transfer after leaving Sampdoria at the end of last season
IVAN STRINIC has put his football career on hold after a heart problem was detected in a routine medical test at his new club AC Milan.
Strinic moved to the San Siro this summer but his debut will have to wait as his career was put in jeopardy by the unexpected revelation after Serie A's biannual health check.
A statement released by the club read: "AC Milan announces that during the six-monthly routine checks, scheduled in Italy for professional athletes, it was found that Ivan Strinic suffers from an initial hypertrophy of the heart muscle deserving further investigation to be performed after a period of rest.
"For this reason the player will have to temporarily suspend the competitive sport activity until the exams are completed."
Strinic started six of Croatia's matches at the World Cup, including all of the knockout rounds, as his country reached their first major tournament final.
The left-back made 18 appearances for Sampdoria last season but left upon the end of his contract as a free agent.
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He joined AC Milan on a three-year deal and was expected to play a major part in Gennaro Gattuso's side.
It is the second summer signing that AC Milan fans may not see in action after Nikola Kalinic joined and then left for Atletico Madrid in the same transfer window.
The 31-year-old was accompanied to the San Siro by former Premier League players Pepe Reina and Fabio Borini as well as Croatian Alen Halilovic, while Gonzalo Higuain and Tiemoue Bakayoko both coming in on loan.
AC Milan's Serie A season was due to begin against Genoa this weekend but following the bridge collapse in the northern Italian city earlier this week, the game has been postponed.
