"I've made my dreams come true playing for Croatia"

Dear fans of the Croatia national team,

the time has come for me to say farewell to our favourite jersey, after 10 years in the national team. It has been a long journey, from the first call-up in 2008 - when a young goalie from Zadar made his dreams come true - through a lot of effort and hard work, including years of patience among the reserves, up until taking No. 1 position, with my favourite number 23 on the back.

I would like to sincerely thank all of the managers, I have learned a lot from each and every one! I would especially like to mention Slaven Bilić, who was the first to give me an opportunity, and Zlatko Dalić, who took us to the incredible silver. A big thank you to all the people in Croatian Football Federation and around the national team, they have always been available when required. We've had everything, being satisfied, happy, and fit. 

I would also like to thank my family and friends, they have stood by my side from the first day, and I could rely on them in every difficult moment - there were many.

I have made this decision long before the 2018 FIFA World Cup, since I wanted to close this international chapter appearing at the world stage. This was one of my dreams. We all have an expiry date, and need to assess how long we can play. Maybe I could have lasted one more campaign, but that would probably be too much. In this manner, I want to allow my teammates, who wait for their chance like I did, to make their dreams come true, and play for Croatia. They are Croatia's future.

My path has come to an end, to the world silver in this sacred jersey. I have given my all, with honour and pride in every match. Maybe there weren't too many, but that's less important. What's important is that I am a fulfilled, happy man who played for his country and wore the most beautiful shirt in the world. We have been dreaming awake during the welcome in Zagreb, my Zadar, and the entire Croatia. These have been the best, most emotional moments of my career, that have defined my international career alongside the one-month adventure in Russia.

Thanks to all of my teammates, nothing would made sense without you. We have experienced many difficult moments together, as well as many beautiful ones. This unity, humility, and friendship from Russia I will remember until I die. I will not talk about the matches; we have talked together on the pitch, all for one and one for all, going all in, crying for joy, playing under medication, swallowing pills like candy - all for us, all for our people, and our historic silver medal.

No club competition can be compared with international duty, it's not even close to the feelings as Croatia national anthem plays before every match.

Thank you all, sincerely, for unconditional support!

It's love that doesn't go away.

Forever one of you,

Your Suba

Above all, Vatreni 2018!

Foto: Arhiva HNS

Foto: Drago Sopta/HNS

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