Having reached a historical place in the World Cup with the Croatian national team, Mario Mandžukić ends his career in the national team.
The 32-year-old striker officially announced that the World Cup final was the last match in which he wore the Croatian national team jersey.
M. Mandžukić played a significant role in Croatia's historic journey in Russia - they only lost in the final to France, and the player himself scored three goals.
"There is no perfect time to retire. I believe that none of us could ever refuse to play for Croatia, because, in my opinion, there is nothing greater on earth. However, I think this is the most appropriate time to step down.
"I always did everything to help our football become more successful," emotionally said the striker bidding farewell to the national team.
M. Mandžukić played for the national team since 2007 and scored 33 goals in 89 matches played.
I always preferred to speak on the field rather than off it, so I found it difficult to find words to say goodbye to the Croatian national team: https://t.co/SiT3XVLIaK pic.twitter.com/fygXVrDJsg
— Mario Mandžukić MM17 (@MarioMandzukic9) August 14, 2018
