15 August,2018 09:35 AM IST | Zagreb | AFP
Mario Mandzukic
Croatia striker Mario Mandzukic has announced his retirement from international football. Mandzukic, who played a starring role in his country's run to the World Cup final in Russia, ends his international career as Croatia's second-highest goalscorer. He scored thrice at the WC, including the extra-time winner against England in the semis.
In his statement, Mandzukic wrote about the 2018 World Cup silver medal: "We have made our dreams come true, achieved a historic success, and experienced unbelievable support. That month, including the welcome in Zagreb, Slavonski Brod, and the entire Croatia, will remain the most important memory of my career. This has been the most beautiful national team journey, and my favourite return to homeland. I am more than happy, fulfilled, and extremely proud of this silver, that has been forged through years, through pain, effort, work, disappointment, and difficult moments. 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. I've given my best for Croatia, I have contributed to the biggest success of Croatian football.
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