SpotlightBBC SportUnverified source· 21 Aug 2026
Stamenic Finds Love Again After Traumatic Year
A year after losing his father and moving clubs, Marko Stamenic credits Swansea for restoring his passion.


M. Stamenić
player
Age
24
Club
Swansea City
Position
Midfielder
Nationality
New Zealand
What happened. Marko Stamenic says the people around Swansea City helped him rediscover his love for football after a year marked by his father's death and a move from Nottingham Forest.
- Marked 12 months since leaving Nottingham Forest for Swansea.
- Father Nikola died last October; he was the 'main figure' in his development.
- Played all three matches for New Zealand at the 2026 World Cup.
“Having the people around me in this club, it really helped me cross that hurdle, to find my love again for the game.”
— Marko Stamenic
Stamenic prepares for Swansea's first home league game against Sheffield United this Saturday.
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