Croatia striker Mario Mandzukic has announced his retirement from international football, almost a month after he helped the tiny European nation reach the final at the Russia 2018 FIFA World Cup tournament.
Mandzukic, 32, who is Croatia’s second highest goalscorer with 35 goals in 85 appearances, announced his retirement on Tuesday via an emotional letter.
He becomes the second player to quit the Croatian national team after Vedran Corluka, who announced his retirement on Friday.
His letter read:
Dear fans,
I always preferred to talk on the picture than off it. That is why these words are harder than slide-tackling an opponent or sprinting in the 120th minute.
It is harder as I know how much joy all the gatherings, matches and victories bring.
It is harder as I know that listening to ‘Lijepa Naša’ before a match is the biggest emotion.
It is harder because it is an honour to wear the Croatian shirt and to represent my country.
It is harder because I know this is final and after these words, there is no coming back.
But, it is time nevertheless for these words.
I am retiring from the Croatian national team.
However much the silver medal gave me new energy, it made this tough decision easier. I experienced my dream, achieved historic success and felt the unbelievable love of the fans.
That month and the arrival back in Zagreb, Slavonski Brod and all of Croatia will remain the most important memory of my career. It was the nicest trip with the national team and return home.
I am happy, fulfilled and proud of the silver medal which we grafted for years through hard work, effort, disappointments and tough times. There is no ideal moment to go. If we could, I believe that we all would play for Croatia whilst we are living as there is no bigger pride. But, I feel that the moment is now for me.
I gave my best and contributed to the biggest success in Croatian football.
14 years ago I first put on the sacred shirt as a youth international. Since then I have met and played with a lot of excellent players, coaches, trainers, and people around the national team. We all had the same goal – to give our all for the success of Croatia.
Thank you, everybody, because everyone in their own way left a mark on my career. On that path were always my closest ones, who I want to thank for their support.
At at the end, thanks to the fans.
Nobody is perfect. I missed chances, lost the ball and made bad passes. But, I always gave it my all and left my heart on the pitch. Thank you for recognising that and being with me and the Croatian national team.
Love, Mandžo.
