Former Bayern, Juventus and Atletico star Mandzukic announces retirement at the age of 35

Former Croatian striker Mario Mandzukic, who represented Milan, Juventus and Bayern Munich at club level, announced his retirement from football at the age of 35 on Friday.

Mandzukic is a former all-time great Croatia international and a World Cup runner-up at Russia 2018. He had won top-flight titles in four different countries, plus Champions League glory with Bayern.

The Croatian footballer took to his official Instagram handle to announce the news with an emotional post on Friday.

“Dear little Mario. When you put these boots on for the first time, you won’t even imagine what you will get to experience in football,” he wrote.

“You’ll score goals at the biggest stages and you’ll win the biggest trophies with the biggest clubs. Proudly representing your nation, you will help write the history of Croatian sports.

“You’ll succeed because you’ll have good people around you teammates, coaches, fans, and family, agent and friends who will always be there for you. You’ll be forever grateful to all of them!

“Above all, 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.

“You’ll recognise 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, from your big Mario.

Lastly, Mario Mandzukic wanted to recall the goal he scored against England in the 2018 World Cup to send Croatia into the final.

“P.S. If you happen to play vs England in the World Cup, just be ready around 109th minute.”

The announcement brings an end to a 15-year playing career that took Mandzukic all across the globe and yielded some of the biggest trophies on offer.