Ex-Bayern, Juve and Milan hitman Manduzki sends touching retirement message
Robin Bairner
- 3 Sept 2021 17:55 BST
- 5 min read
Mario Mandzukic has announced his retirement from professional football aged 35, having turned out for the likes of Bayern Munich, Juventus, Atletico Madrid and Milan.
A centre forward who was known for his physical capabilities, Mandzukic notably scored in the 2013 Champions League final for Bayern as they overcame Borussia Dortmund 2-1 at Wembley.
He was also on target in the showpiece event for Juventus four years later with an overhead effort that won UEFA’s Goal of the Season, although they ultimately lost out 4-1 to Real Madrid.
In all, he played 10 seasons at the top level in Europe’s biggest leagues, top scoring with 18 goals in 30 Bundesliga games for Bayern in 2013/14.
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Mandzukic's goodbye message
He announced his decision to quit the game via a touching Instagram message to fans:
“Dear little Mario,
“While you put on these boots for the first time, you can't even imagine what you will get to experience in football. You'll score goals at the biggest stages and you'll win the biggest trophies with the biggest clubs. Proudly representing your nation, you will help write the history of Croatian sports.
“You'll succeed because you'll have good people around you – teammates, coaches, fans, and family, agent and friends who will always be there for you. You'll be forever grateful to all of them!
“Above all, you'll succeed because you'll always give your best. At the end, that's what you'll be most proud of. You'll sacrifice a lot, but you'll know it was worth it because of all the amazing moments.
“You'll recognize the moment to retire, to put these boots in a cabinet and you'll have no regrets. Football will always be a part of your life, but you'll look forward to a new chapter.
“Enjoy!
Your big Mario”
Mandzukic, who scored 33 times in 89 matches for Croatia, had been linked with a shock move to Barcelona late in the summer transfer window, but nothing ultimately came of it and he quits after playing 11 games for Milan last season without finding the net.
