Croatia striker Mario Mandzukic calls time on international career

(FASTNEWS|COLOMBO) Croatia striker Mario Mandzukic and goalkeeper Danijel Subasic have announced their retirement from international football almost a month after helping the Balkan nation reach the 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, that 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.