Football: Croatia's Rakitic ends international career

BARCELONA: Croatia midfielder Ivan Rakitic has called time on his international career with the 2018 World Cup runners-up, he said on Monday .

The former Barcelona player, 32, was an integral part of the Croatia side who reached the World Cup final in Russia before losing 4-2 to France.Rakitic, who made 106 appearances and scored 15 goals for his country, discussed the decision with national captain Luka Modric, coach Zlatko Dalic and Croatian Football Association president Davor Suker.

"Saying goodbye to the Croatian national team is the most difficult decision in my career, but I felt that this was the moment when I had to break away and make that decision," said Rakitic in a social media post from the national side. "I enjoyed every game I played for my homeland, and unforgettable moments from the World Cup will remain among my favourites.

"I am convinced that we still have a great team with a bright future ahead. I wish my friends and teammates all the luck in the world for the upcoming challenges, and in me they will have the biggest fan."Rakitic joined his former club Sevilla this summer after spending six years with Barcelona.

Singapore Latest News, Singapore Headlines

Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.

Croatia's Rakitic ends international careerCroatia midfielder Ivan Rakitic has called time on his international career with the 2018 World Cup runners-up, he said on Monday.
Source: ChannelNewsAsia - 🏆 6. / 66 Read more »

Football: Pirlo enjoys winning start to coaching career as Juventus thump SampdoriaTURIN, ITALY (REUTERS) - Andrea Pirlo got his coaching career off to a winning start as his Juventus side began their quest for a 10th successive Serie A title with a 3-0 win over Sampdoria on Sunday (Sept 20).. Read more at straitstimes.com.
Source: The Straits Times - 🏆 8. / 63 Read more »

Football: Pirlo enjoys winning start to coaching career as Juve thump SampdoriaAndrea Pirlo got his coaching career off to a winning start as his Juventus side beat Sampdoria 3-0 in their opening Serie A game of the season on ...
Source: ChannelNewsAsia - 🏆 6. / 66 Read more »

Football: Taking the knee has lost its power, says QPR's FerdinandTaking the knee before football matches is not going to change attitudes to racism only actions will, Les Ferdinand, director of football at ...
Source: ChannelNewsAsia - 🏆 6. / 66 Read more »

Pirlo enjoys winning start to coaching career as Juve thump SampdoriaAndrea Pirlo got his coaching career off to a winning start as his Juventus side beat Sampdoria 3-0 in their opening Serie A game of the season on ...
Source: ChannelNewsAsia - 🏆 6. / 66 Read more »

Pirlo not out to copy anyone after comfortable opening winJuventus coach Andrea Pirlo is not out to copy anyone, he said on Sunday after beginning his new career with a comfortable 3-0 win over Sampdoria ...
Source: ChannelNewsAsia - 🏆 6. / 66 Read more »