Vlahovic slams 'absurd' rumours about affair with Serbian teammate's wife

The Juventus striker, who was previously linked with Arsenal, is yet to start a match for his country at the World Cup due to a persistent groin injury that has hampered his search for match fitness.

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However, the 22-year-old's absence has also been the subject of major speculation with unfounded rumours in Serbia suggesting he's been dropped as a result of an affair with the wife of Serbia reserve goalkeeper Predrag Rajkovic.

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Vlahovic was given the chance to have his say in Serbia's pre-match press conference ahead of the Switzerland game on Friday and didn't hold back.

He explained: "I am sorry to have to start the press conference in the World Cup this way, but I have to talk about it because this is my name being bandied about.

"What we all read and hear about, there's no need to comment on something so absurd. Evidently these people are bored and have nothing better to do because they are frustrated or angry, but working against the national interest of the team at the moment is obviously their main job right now.

"We are more united than ever and the atmosphere in the squad has never been better. These stories are ridiculous, I just want to protect my name and my integrity, so I will take legal action if necessary.

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"It's not the first time this has happened, I would've hoped that people would support the team before such an important match, but instead we are forced to talk about things that have nothing to do with it.

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"These are people with empty CVs who achieved nothing, but they will certainly not get extra attention off my name. They have always been small people and prove it day by day."

Leading up to the World Cup, Vlahovic scored six goals in ten league games for Juventus.

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However, he has managed just 24 minutes of time on the pitch, which came in the 2-0 defeat to Brazil.

He missed the 3-3 draw with Cameroon, but in the press conference he also discussed his fitness.

"I didn't play because I was not ready enough, but I feel better now and am completely concentrated on the next match."