Asmir Begovic has explained that a severe bout of illness prevented him from playing for Bosnia.
Stoke keeper reveals illness
Goalkeeper Asmir Begovic has apologised for not linking up with the Bosnia squad and has explained that a severe bout of illness prevented him from doing so.
The 23-year-old shot-stopper played in Stoke's 2-0 win over Liverpool last weekend but then did not accept an international call-up to face Slovakia in midweek.
Bosnia manager Safet Susic has since slammed the Potters keeper, calling for sanctions against both Begovic and Stoke.
However, the former Portsmouth man has revealed that he was suffering from illness following an injection and could not even bring himself to contact the national boss.
He told
Dnevni Avaz: "Safet Susic, team-mates, fans and all who have Bosnia-Herzegovina in their hearts, please don't be angry with me.
"I didn't travel back home because I had health problems. I felt so bad thought I was going to die.
Pain
"I got an injection after the game against Liverpool and I guess I got a reaction to the medicine.
"My body was in so much pain, I was vomiting all day long. I couldn't even pick up a phone to call anyone.
"I think that our club doctor saved my life, he gave me medicine that helped me. When I felt a little bit better, I promptly called the Bosnian FA.
"I don't know what the problem was. My club told me they will deal with this, that they will find an agreement with Susic.
"I regret everything but hope that Susic will forgive me, and the Bosnian fans."
Begovic could play for Stoke in the Premier League against West Brom on Saturday, as Tony Pulis' men look to build on their impressive win last weekend.
