The deputy captain of the Croatian national football team, Domagoj Vida (35), announced today that he is ending his national team career.
Vida informed the president of the Croatian Football Association (HNS) Marijan Kustić and coach Zlatko Dalić about his decision, and then sent a letter to say goodbye to the public and fans.
"When I made my debut for the national team on May 23, 2010, in front of my family, friends and fellow Slavonians, I thought I had realized my football dream. A little more than 14 years later, I know that it was only the beginning of the most beautiful story in my football career. And no matter how hard it is to say, write or say these words because it's hard to separate yourself from something that means so much to you, it's easier when I know how much richer I am because of everything I've experienced," said Vida, as reported by HINA.
He made 105 appearances for the national team and scored four goals. He won world silver (2018), world bronze (2022), and silver in the League of Nations (2023).
"It is also an honor to wear the most beautiful jersey in the world and represent your homeland once in your career. And when you do it 105 times, play in seven major competitions and win three major medals with Croatia, then you can only be infinitely grateful for such a privilege," he emphasized is Vida.
The highlight of his national team career was at the World Cup in Russia, where "Vatreni" reached the final, where they lost to France.
"I enjoyed fighting for Croatia on the field and I am honored to have been the first team member of that unforgettable silver team from Russia. But, with the same enthusiasm, I spent the past few years when I did not play as much because I learned that everyone is important for success, from from the first to the last. Give your best in training, support and lift up your teammates, shout, console, 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 I was able to contribute in this way as a substitute captain of Croatia." wrote Vida.
Vida is currently a member of AEK Athens, and he also played for Bešiktaš, Dinamo Kyiv and Zagreb, Bayer Leverkusen and Osijek.
"After 14 years spent in this family, how can I thank everyone and not forget someone? Thank you to all my selectors, from Slaven who gave me my first opportunity, through Igor, Nika and Ante to Zlatko, with whom we achieved these unprecedented and incredible successes, as well as to all the coaches in the coaching staff," said Vida.
"It was an honor to share the dressing room with some of the best players Croatia has ever had, led by the greatest of the greatest. Thank you for always giving everything for Croatia, for seeing the national team as sacred, which is why each of us always looking forward to the gathering, to see each other, hang out and then fight for the same jersey," said Vida.
Bonus video:
