Fiorentina midfielder Milan Badelj says expelling Nikola Kalinic from the Croatia squad was the right decision.

The AC Milan striker was sent home earlier this week.

"What happened didn't affect us," the departing Fiorentina midfielder told reporters.

“The first thing is the team, you have to put your ego to one side when you talk about your national team.

“The same respect is needed at club level, but it's needed even more at international level because it's a more specific situation and we're not here as much.

“The important thing that we maintain unity and a good atmosphere in the dressing room."