Mandžukić announces international retirement

CAIRO – 14 August 2018: Croatian striker, Mario Mandžukić, announced on Tuesday his international retirement after his participation at Croatia’s successful campaign at the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

In Russia, Croatia reached the World Cup final for the first time in their history and lost it 4-2 to France with Mandžukić scoring the second goal.

“It is hard because it is an honour to wear the Croatian shirt and to represent my country. It is hard as I know how much joy all the gatherings, matches and victories bring,” Mandžukić stated after his decision.

Uvijek sam više volio govoriti na terenu nego izvan njega, pa mi je bilo teško pronaći riječi za oproštaj od hrvatske reprezentacije: https://t.co/SiT3XVLIaK pic.twitter.com/fygXVrDJsg

— Mario Mandžukić MM17 (@MarioMandzukic9) August 14, 2018

Mario, who is the second highest goal scorer ever for Croatia, started his career with the national team when he was 21 and since then he established himself as a key player for Croatia.

Mandžukić, 32, represented Croatia at four major tournaments; 2012 UEFA EURO, 2014 World Cup, 2016 UEFA EURO and 2018 World Cup.

“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 recognizing that and being with me and the Croatian national team,” Mandžukić added.

Mandžukić will focus on his career with his club, Juventus.