The former AC Milan striker, Mario Mandzukic, retires from football at the age of 35.
The Croatian decorated attacker played in major clubs in Europe such as Bayern Munich, Atlético Madrid, Juventus, and then AC Milan. His last official match was with the Rossoneri in Bergamo against Atalanta, May 23rd where Milan won 2-0 thanks to Franck Kessié's Brace.
Here's the letter that the now retired player published to announce his decision:
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
