Jovic Apologises For Breaking Coronavirus Self-Isolation Rules

Jovic returned to Serbia last week after La Liga was suspended for two weeks because of the coronavirus outbreak.

He was supposed to observe a 28-day self-isolation as part of measures by the Serbian authorities to control the spread of the virus but was recently seen on the streets of Belgrade.

Jovic’s actions led to criticism from the country’s government, who have asked citizens from high-risk nations not to return home.

The Serbian prime minister Ana Brnabic said: 'We have the negative example of our football stars who earn millions and have ignored the obligation to self-isolate so they can return home.'

Spain is the second worst affected European country with 24,926 coronavirus cases and 1,326 deaths.

Jovic has come out to apologise for the uproar his actions have caused but maintains he was misinformed by the guidelines he was supposed to follow.

"Since the situation in the world and in our country is very difficult, I have to come forward and give support to my people. First of all, I am very sorry that I am the main topic these days and that I am constantly being written about, not the heroes of this crisis, doctors and all the medical professionals,” the 22-year-old wrote on Instagram.

"While in Spain, I [tested] negative for coronavirus and decided to come to Serbia to help and support our people and be close to my family, in agreement with the officials. When I landed in Serbia, I was once again tested and coronavirus negative.

"It is very unfortunate for me that some people did their job unprofessionally and did not give me the correct instructions for how to behave in self-isolation. In Spain, I was allowed to go to a pharmacy and a supermarket so that I could get the groceries I needed, which is not the case here.

"I apologise to all the people if I compromised them in some way and I hope that we can manage to get through all this together. Support Serbia and let's stick together."