World Cup silver medalist Mandzukic retires from football

By Can Erozden

ANKARA (AA) – The 2018 FIFA World Cup silver medalist, Croatian football player Mario Mandzukic retired from the game.

"With an emotional letter to 'little Mario,' great Mario Mandzukic closes his fantastic playing career. Mandzo, thank you for everything and good luck in the future!" the Croatian Football Federation (HNS) said on Twitter on Friday.

Playing in forward position, Mandzukic helped the Croatian national team reach the 2018 World Cup final in Moscow.

France were crowned the World Cup champions in the Russian capital over a 4-2 win against Croatia in the final in which Mandzukic scored one goal and an own goal.

The 35-year-old played for Dinamo Zagreb, Wolfsburg, Bayern Munich, Atletico Madrid, Juventus, and lastly AC Milan.

In a letter addressed to his younger self, the Croatian forward wrote that he "will help write the history of Croatian sports."

"... you'll succeed because you'll always give your best. At the end, that's what you'll be most proud of. You'll sacrifice a lot, but you'll know it was worth it because of all the amazing moments," he said.

"You'll recognize the moment to retire, to put these boots in a cabinet and you'll have no regrets. Football will always be a part of your life, but you'll look forward to a new chapter. Enjoy!"

Mandzukic scored 33 goals in 89 international caps for Croatia, and 197 goals in 508 club appearances.

He won the 2013 UEFA Champions League with Bayern Munich, and earned numerous league titles with German powerhouse Bayern and Italian giants Juventus.

Near the end of his career, Mandzukic played for AC Milan and bid farewell to the Italian club in May.