Croatia and Olympique Lyon defender defender Dejan Lovren has announced his retirement from Croatian National Team.
Lovren described his announcement in copious statement as ‘somber news’ and related the emotion he went through in making the decision to hang up his boots.
The former Liverpool player wrote ‘I want to address you today with some somber news, but believe me, the decision that I am about to announce is one that I made with an open heart and a lot of consideration’.
‘This announcement does not come easily to me, and while I am writing this letter, I am doing my best not to cry, but I hope by now you have come to know me as a man with heart and a man that does not hide his emotions.’
‘The time has come for me to say my final goodbye to the Croatian national team, though I will remain a huge supporter of the Vetrani and will follow the team in each coming match.’
The centre-back has made 78 appearances for his country in as many games since his debut in an international friendly against Qatar in 2009 and scored five goals in that period.
The veteran defender was part of and played every game in Croatia’s shocking run to the to the 2018 World Cup in which they lost 4-2 to France.
His final appearance for his country came in Qatar 2022 World Cup when they lost 3-0 in the semifinals to eventual winners Argentina.