The vice-captain of the Croatian national football team, Domagoj Vida, has retired from playing for the Croatian national team. He informed the president of the Croatian Football Federation, Marijan Kustić, and the coach, Zlatko Dalić. He then bid farewell to the public and fans with a heartfelt letter, which we share in its entirety:

"When I debuted for the Croatian national football team on May 23, 2010, in front of my family, friends, and my fellow Slavonians, I thought I had achieved my football dream.

A little over 14 years later, I know that was just the beginning of the most beautiful story in my football life. And as difficult as it is to say, write, or articulate these words, because it's hard to part from something that means so much to you, it's easier when I know how much richer I am because of everything I have experienced.

It is an honor to wear the most beautiful jersey in the world and represent your country even once in a career.

And when you do it 105 times, play in seven major tournaments, and win three major medals with Croatia, you can only be endlessly grateful for such a privilege."