The Croatian football community found itself at a crossroads today as Marcelo Brozovic, an iconic figure in the national team, announced his retirement from international football. After an illustrious career spanning 99 appearances, the 31-year-old midfielder decided to hang up his international boots, leaving a legacy that will be remembered for years to come.
Brozovic, currently plying his trade with Al-Nassr, shared an emotional farewell message on social media, marking the end of his journey with the Croatian national team. “You know me well enough to know that I’m not one for many words, so actually just one number would be enough for this farewell letter. 99. I had the honour of playing for the Croatian national football team so many times, and I will end my national team career with that number,” he wrote on Instagram.
Reflecting on his career, Brozovic expressed his gratitude and pride in representing Croatia on the international stage. “I feel that I have gone through and achieved everything I could have wished for with Croatia and that it is time for new forces that will give that one hundred per cent because that is the only thing good enough when you perform for Croatia,” he added.
The Croatian national team, often described as the country’s golden generation, saw unprecedented success during Brozovic’s tenure. The pinnacle of this success was reached during the 2018 FIFA World Cup, where Croatia captured the world’s imagination by reaching the finals before falling to France. More recently, the team also made headlines by eliminating Brazil on their way to the semi-finals of the tournament, ultimately losing to eventual champions Argentina.
Brozovic was not alone in navigating these triumphs and tribulations. He was an integral part of a midfield trio that included stars like Luka Modric and Mateo Kovacic. “It’s hard to say goodbye to the national team for many reasons, but for one reason I’ve been struggling for so long. It’s hard to say goodbye to Luka and Kova, with whom I’ve been through so much and with whom it was an incredible pleasure to play. And to everyone else, because we knew how to go one hundred per cent on the field,” he warmly remarked.
Brozovic’s career at the club level has been equally distinguished.
. Known for his outstanding performances with Inter Milan, Brozovic joined the Italian giants from Croatian side Dinamo Zagreb for a fee of 5 million euros. During his time in Milan, he made 330 appearances before sealing an 18 million euro move to Al-Nassr.
In his farewell note, Brozovic addressed the curiosity surrounding his decision to retire at 99 caps instead of reaching the iconic 100-cap milestone. “Someone will ask, ‘Well, who is so crazy to say goodbye to exactly 99 performances?’ It is more than I could have wished for, and it was better and more successful than I could have dreamed. And that’s why those 99 are epic! Love you Broz!” he concluded.
The outpouring of affection and respect following his announcement has been widespread, with fans, teammates, and football analysts recognizing his substantial contributions to the national team. Brozovic’s unique rhythm and pace control in the midfield were vital in many of Croatia’s inspired performances on the international stage.
As he transitions from national duties to focus fully on his club career, Brozovic’s almost two-decade-long journey with the national team will be celebrated for years to come. His story is one of dedication, passion, and an unyielding commitment to his country. Marcelo Brozovic’s contributions have helped elevate Croatian football to unprecedented heights, and his legacy will undoubtedly inspire the new generation of footballers.
With the departure of figures like Brozovic, Luka Modric, and eventually Mateo Kovacic, Croatia faces an era of transformation. New talents will need to step up to fill the void left by these seasoned veterans. However, as Brozovic aptly put it, “It is time for new forces,” the promising talents rising through the ranks will be keen to build on the foundation laid by their predecessors.
As Croatian football bids farewell to one of its stalwarts, Marcelo Brozovic’s journey comes to a close at 99 caps. Not 100, as the milestone might suggest, but an undeniably epic 99, embodying a career full of proud moments, hard-fought battles, and cherished memories. Croatia will forever remember Brozovic and the indelible mark he left on the beautiful game.
