Novakovic quits Slovenia

Slovenian striker Milivoje Novakovic has confirmed he is to put his club Cologne before his country and retired from international football.

Cologne star to focus on club

Slovenian striker Milivoje Novakovic has confirmed he is to put his club Cologne before his country and retired from international football. The 32-year-old forward has earned more than 50 caps for Slovenia and is the second-highest goalscorer in the country's history. But he admitted he has now made the decision to focus on his career with the German club. "Yes, these reports are true," Novakovic told Cologne-based tabloid Express when quizzed. "I am going to retire from the international game. "I will not represent my country in any further international fixtures. I am planning to focus more on my club career with Cologne in the Bundesliga." The former Cologne captain has been with the club since 2006, scoring more than 70 goals, including 17 in the Bundesliga last season. Novakovic also played in the 2010 World Cup in South Africa but has come to his decision after Slovenia failed to qualify for Euro 2012.