Emrah Klimenta’s recovery comes full circle with second Montenegro call-up

Sacramento Republic right back Emrah Klimenta grew up in northern California, but the national team of his native Montenegro has called in his services a second time, the club announced Friday.

Klimenta made his international debut on May 29, 2016, logging a 15-minute substitute shift in a friendly against Turkey.

The national team camp will run from Wednesday, May 24 through June 10, when Montenegro will face Armenia in a World Cup Qualifier. The team will meet Iran for a friendly on June 4.

Klimenta tore an ACL in USL action on July 2nd last year, ending a promising season, and casting his international future in doubt. His full recovery and return to Republic play this season is a testament to the work ethic that has made him a fan favorite since debuting in Sacramento in 2014.

Republic head coach Paul Buckle said in the club statement, “We are delighted for Emrah. After coming back from a terrible injury, he has done well to get back in our team and has done incredibly well to earn another national call-up. We are very proud of him and what we are doing here at Republic FC.”

Klimenta was the first player in Republic history to be called into international duty while a member of the squad. He is available for the club’s match tomorrow against Tulsa Roughnecks, but will miss three USL matches and the third round of the US Open Cup if he remains in camp with Montenegro through June 10.

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