AEK Athens centre-back Domagoj Vida announced his farewell to the Croatian national team on Sunday after 105 appearances in 14 years. The player informed Croatian national team president Marijan Kustic and coach Zlatko Dalic of his decision, which was announced on the Croatian national team's website with a text from the player himself.

The Nasice player explained that when he made his debut on 23 May 2010 he thought he had achieved his professional "dream". "A little more than 14 years later, I know that it was just the beginning of the most beautiful story of my football life. And no matter how hard it is to say, write or say these words because it's hard to part with something that means so much to you, it's easier when I know how much richer I am for everything I've experienced," he recounted.

"It's also an honour to wear the most beautiful jersey in the world once in your career and represent your country. And when you do it 105 times, play in 7 major competitions and win 3 major medals with Croatia, then you can only be infinitely grateful for that privilege," he said.

"Victories and successes are what remain in the books, but much more remains in my memories,’ he continues, ’And all the difficult moments are equally valuable and important because they strengthen the togetherness, character and mutual relationships in the team. In recent years we are used to glorious successes, but we, the veterans, have also experienced disappointments, coaching changes, defeats and heavy criticism. We came out stronger and the successes were even sweeter".

"I enjoyed fighting for Croatia on the field and it is an honour for me to be a member of the first team of that unforgettable silver team in Russia - runners-up in 2018. However, I spent the last few years where I didn't play as much with the same enthusiasm because I learned that everyone is important for success, from the first to the last. Give your best in training, support and encourage your teammates, shout, comfort, hug, make the team laugh, lead the song: in many ways you can contribute to the success of the national team and I am proud that in the role of vice-captain of Croatia I was able to contribute in this way," he added.

"The most important thanks go to my wife Ivana and my son David, who are my biggest comfort and support, and who spent much of this ‘representative time’ without me. I am happy to be able to share the most beautiful moments with them and look forward to the additional time we will spend together now," he concluded.

July 21, 2024

D. Vida

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