Mario Mandzukic calls time on Croatia career

Croatian World Cup hero and star striker Mario Mandzukic has announced his retirement from international football at the age of 32, the country’s national soccer federation said Tuesday.

“I think the time has come for me now. I gave my best for Croatia and I have contributed to the greatest success in Croatian football,” Mandzukic said in a letter circulated by the federation.

The Juventus player said that losing 4-2 to France in the World Cup final to take the runner-up spot had given him “new energy but also made this incredible decision easier”.

Mandzukic scored 33 goals for Croatia in 89 games and ranked second only to the country’s Davor Suker.