Manduzkic retires from the Croatian National Team

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Mario Mandzukic has announced his international retirement from the Croatian National Team on Tuesday. The decision came after the World Cup where he led Croatia to a World Cup Final. The Juventus striker made the announcement from his Instagram handle. He stated, “We lived our dream, made a historic result and felt the love of our fans, there’s no ideal time for departure.”  He later added, “If we could, I believe we all would play for Croatia as long as we live because there is no bigger pride than that. However, I feel that for me that moment is now. That I gave my best and I contributed to the biggest success in Croatian football.” Mario Mandzukic made his international debut in November 2007 against Macedonia scoring his first goal for Croatia in a 4-1 defeat against England. Part of Croatia’s ‘golden generation’, he went on play 89 times for the ‘Vatreni’ scoring 33 times. He’s the second all-time leading goal-scorer for Croatia behind Davor Suker. Mandzukic was an integral player in Croatia’s run to the Final. He scored three times during the tournament including scoring in the World Cup Final but also scored an own-goal after heading the ball into his own net from a free-kick by Antonie Griezmann. 


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