Sports
Croatia’s Mandzukic, Subasic end international career
Croatia goalkeeper Danijel Subasic and striker Mario Mandzukic on Wednesday announced their retirement from international football .
The duo ’ s decision has come almost a month after helping the Balkan nation reach the FIFA World Cup final for the first time .
The 33 – year – old goalkeeper Subasic said he made the decision to end his journey with Croatia before the World Cup, and reaching the final in Moscow was a dream come true .
“ The time has come for me to say farewell to our favourite jersey, after 10 years in the national team , ” Subasic , who earned 44 caps , said in a statement .
“ I have made this decision long before the 2018 FIFA World Cup, since I wanted to close this international chapter appearing at the world stage .
“ We have been dreaming awake during the welcome in Zagreb , my Zadar , and the entire Croatia . These have been the best , most emotional moments of my career , which have defined my international career . ”
Mandzukic , scored 33 goals for Croatia , two less than top scorer Davor Suker , in 89 appearances since his 2007 debut .
The 32 – year -old netted three goals in his team ’ s run to the World Cup final in July, where they fell to a 4 – 2 defeat by France .
“ There is no ideal moment to retire . If possible , we would all play for Croatia until we die , since there is no prouder feeling .
“ But I feel this moment has come for me — now , ” the Juventus forward said in a statement on the national team ’ s website.
“ I ’ ve given my best for Croatia . I have contributed to the biggest success of Croatian football … As of today , my place is alongside you — among the most loyal Croatia fans . ”
Apart from two World Cups , Mandzukic also represented Croatia in two European Championships and was named the nation’ s Footballer of the Year in 2012 and 2013 .
Defender Vedran Corluka also announced his retirement from the Croatian national team last week .
( Reuters / NAN )
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