The former Juventus and Milan forward Mario Mandzukic has decided to retire from professional football at 35.
The former Croatia international spent five years with the Bianconeri after arriving from Atletico Madrid in 2015, before returning to Serie A in January 2021.
Mandzukic won four Scudetti, three Coppa Italia and two Supercoppa Italiana during his time in Serie A but has decided to retire after an unsuccessful stint at Milan last term.
The former Bayern Munich star, who helped the Germans win two Bundesliga titles and the Champions League, was also part of the Croatia team that finished runners-up in the 2018 World Cup, losing the Final against France.
Mandzukic played 162 competitive games with Juventus but only managed 11 appearances in his stint with Milan.
He didn’t score in the Rossoneri shirt, but bagged 44 goals across all competitions with the Old Lady and appeared 128 times in Serie A.
He announced he is leaving football with a particular message on social media.
“Dear little Mario, while wearing these shoes for the first time, you cannot even imagine what you will feel in the world of football,” he wrote.
“You will score goals on the most important stages, and you will win the biggest trophies with the biggest clubs.
“Proudly represent your country, you will contribute to writing the history of Croatian sport.
“You will be successful because you will have good people around you: teammates, coaches, fans and family members, agents and friends who will always be there for you.
“You will be forever grateful to all of them! Above all, you will be successful because you will always give your all.
“In the end, this is what you will be most proud of. You will sacrifice a lot, but you will know that it was worth it because of all the amazing moments.
“You will recognise when it’s time to retire, to put these shoes in a closet and you will have no regrets. Football will always be part of your life, but you will be looking forward to a new chapter.
“Have fun! Your big Mario. P.S. If you happen to play against England in the World Cup, be ready around the 109th minute.”
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Loved him @ Juve. Was a beast at both ends of the pitch. Ciao Mario!
Always liked him…deadly in the 18. Surprised a MLS team doesn’t go after him…