Ivan Rakitic has ended his international career three quarters before the European Championship. The midfielder scored 106 duels and 15 goals for Croatia.
Rakitic was vice captain of his country, with whom he surprisingly reached the World Cup final in 2018. In Moscow, France was too strong 4-2.
At the World Cup in Russia, Rakitic scored against Argentina and made the fifth and decisive penalty kick in the series against both Denmark and Russia.
“Saying goodbye to the national team is the hardest decision in my career,” said the 32-year-old midfielder, who recently left FC Barcelona for Sevilla. “But I felt it was the right time to make this decision.”
“I loved every game I played for my country. The 2018 World Cup has brought me many unforgettable memories.”
Rakitic wishes his teammates the best of luck
At the European Championship next summer, Croatia will play in group D against England, the Czech Republic and the winner of the play-offs in division C of the Nations League.
“I am convinced that the team will have a good future without me,” said the midfielder. “I wish my friends and old teammates every success. I will be their biggest fan.”
Croatia started earlier this month with defeats against Portugal (4-1) and France (4-2) in the Nations League, Rakitic was already missing from those duels. In October, the Balkans will play against Sweden and again France.
View the standings and the program in the Nations League
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