Croatia captain Niko Kovac has announced his retirement from international football.
Veteran decides to hang up boots
Croatia captain Niko Kovac has announced his retirement from international football.
The 37-year-old midfielder, who scored 15 goals in 83 appearances for his country, feels it is time to let younger players take centre stage.
Kovac admitted it was a hard decision to make, but feels the country needs to be selecting players who are playing regularly for their clubs if they are to qualify for the 2010 World Cup.
"It was a difficult decision because to play for my country means everything to me," Kovac told Zagreb daily
Vecernje Novosti.
"But I am not a young lad and I know that it would be a burden on the national team if I continue, given that I don't even play regularly for my club.
"We have several players in my position and coach Slaven Bilic has plenty of options."
Blow
Kovac, who has only played 11 times for Red Bull Salzburg this campaign, also revealed that he will consider hanging up his boots for good at the end of the season.
Bilic said the former Bayern Munich and Hertha Berlin midfielder will be sorely missed.
"His retirement is a big blow to our hopes in qualifying for the World Cup," said Bilic. "Niko deserves all the credit for what he has done for the national team and players like him are indispensable."
