Ilija Nestorovski is currently the best in-form Macedonian attacker, but for years he has not been part of the national team. Now he publicly told coach Goce Sedloski that he is ready to help his team end that goalscoring draught.
photo by FFM: Nestorovski during the friendly v Finland in 2022
Ilija Nestorovski Is not 36 years old. But the Centre-Forward so far is having a great season at Slaven Belupo in the Croatian top flight with 7 goals scored in 10 matches, plus 2 goals in 1 Cup match.
Since Sedloski took over the Macedonian bench, the team has not scored a single goal in the 8 matches, which is the worst goalscoring draught ever in the history of the Macedonian national team.
Not just the team has not scored, but the attacker simply can’t even threaten the opponent’s goalkeeper. For example, in the recent 4 Nations League matches only substitute Hristijan Maleski hit the target – all other shots, and were not man – went wide.
Nestorovski gave a long interview for Sportklub Hrvatska. You read it here.
SK: Nowadays, footballers’ careers last longer and longer, so I don’t think there’s any cause for concern there. And finally, tell me: what is your biggest footballing goal—one you haven’t achieved yet, but would still like to, or perhaps once wanted to?
“Well, I’ve achieved everything. The only thing—well, maybe with Macedonia—is that I wish I’d played in the EURO. But it is what it is. There was that injury, and that’s that. Otherwise, I’ve accomplished everything else. I played in the top five strongest leagues and scored goals there, too—everything was just excellent. Except for that EURO—which I truly regret—but that’s life; we move on. Maybe a World Cup now, if they call me up to the national team again—since I’ve returned to good form—you never know.”
SK: So, you’re hopeful?
“Well, I’m always hopeful. I keep training, I keep playing, and I’ve never given up on the national team. If a call-up comes, I’m always available for Macedonia—because playing for Macedonia, for one’s own country, is a true source of pride. So, I’m always at their disposal. I’ve noticed I haven’t been called up in recent years, but that’s not a problem at all. It means I have more time during the international break to spend with my family. But if, following these excellent performances, someone happens to remember me—well, alright, I’m here.”
Nestorovski has played 52 matches for Macedonia scoring 10 goals. He was one of the crucial players that qualified Macedonia for the 2020 EURO which he eventually missed due to a cruciate ligament injury. His last national team call was in September 2023, but hi remained at the bench in both 2024 EURO qualifying matches.