Amid the news of the transfer of a football superstar this summer, the world forgot about Mario Mandzukic. The Croatian striker is on a free transfer after leaving AC Milan until he finally decided to retire from football.

Mandzukic retired at the age of 35. The striker who brought Croatia to the 2018 world cup final expressed his intentions in his Instagram post.

Mandzukic's farewell also looks sweet. It was as if he was giving a letter to himself as a child when Mandzukic struggled to achieve his dream as a footballer. At the end of his writing, he revealed that he understood the right conditions to stop and display football boots in the closet.

"Football will always be a part of your life, but you'll look forward to a new chapter," Mandzukic wrote.

 

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by Mario Mandžukić MM 17 (@mariomandzukic)

Mandzukic recalled a critical moment for himself and the Croatian national team at the end of the article. He became the most remembered hero and enemy of English football fans after scoring a goal in the 109th minute in the semifinals of the World Cup. As a result, Croatia has the right to advance to the final, and England buries their dream of winning the world cup.

The footballer, born on May 21, 1986, has played for several big European clubs. His career began at the club TSF Dizingen, a small club in Germany, in 1992.

Jumping to 2004, Mandzukic played for NK Marsonia for one season. He then moved in 2005 to join NK Zagreb.

During his time at the club, he showed his quality as one of the most goal-hungry strikers in Europe. He attracted the interest of big European clubs—some of the Chelsea and Manchester United.

But Mandzukic chose to stay in his country. In the summer of 2008, he moved to Dinamo Zagreb for a fee of 1.3 million Euros. He immediately became the primary choice as a striker.

His first season at Dinamo Zagreb was pretty good. He scored 12 goals in 29 matches. Unfortunately, the record was accompanied by the acquisition of 8 yellow cards.

In the era of 2008 to 2009, Mandzukic became the top scorer in the EUFA Cup tournament. With Dinamo Zagreb, he scored 16 goals in 28 matches.

Mandzukic's scoring prowess then attracted German club VfL Wolfsburg in 2010. At that time, his transfer value increased to €7 million.

 

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by FC Bayern (@fcbayern)

At the beginning of the 2010 - 2011 season, Mandzukic became a regular choice in the front lines. In addition, he is flexible by playing in the left-wing position. The coach, Steve McClaren, entrusted the front line to his compatriot, Edin Dzeko.

The following season due to a change of coach, now under Felix Magath, Mandzukic gained confidence as a striker. Mandzukic started 24 matches and scored 14 goals. His smooth performance was contagious in European competition by providing three goals and becoming the top scorer.

This achievement makes Mandzukic one of the players with the best record in the history of VfL Wolfsburg. He later became the fans' idol who admired his performances on the pitch and the consistent good behavior shown by the Croatian striker.

But in July 2012, Mandzukic signed a contract with Bayern Munich. This is an expected move where Munich likes to take promising talents from rival clubs. This move increases Mandzukic's transfer fee to €13 million.

During this time at Bayern Munich, Mandzukic got his highest performance and achievements. In the first season, he scored 15 goals from 24 matches. Get top scorer status and lead Munich to win in several tournaments.

These achievements include the Bundesliga, German Cup, UEFA Super Cup, FIFA Club World Cup, and Champions League tournaments.

It didn't stop there because Mandzukic's achievement received the Croatian Footballer of the Year award. He also became the first Croatian citizen to score in the Champions League final.

 

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by Juventus (@juventus)

After experiencing success with Munich, Mandzukic moved to the Spanish La Liga club Atletico Madrid in July 2014. He only lasted one year at the club and scored 20 goals.

Mandzukic finally joined the Italian League giants Juventus in July 2015. At the Turin club, he managed to score 44 goals. In addition, he won a Serie A trophy, three Coppa Italia, and two Italian Super Cups.

After five seasons at Juventus, Mandzukic then joined Qatari club Al-Duhail in July 2020. Not long in Qatar, Mandzukic returned to Italy and joined AC Milan.

At this Milan club, he has neither scored nor assisted in 11 matches. Then at the end of the 2020-2021 season, he was without a club until he finally decided to retire.

Mandzukic is delighted to be helping AC Milan return to the Champions League after seven years of absence.