Stipe Pletikosa to call time on his Croatia career

Croatia's first choice goalkeeper in the previous decade and a half, Stipe Pletikosa, announced his international retirement to the Croatian Football Federation, head coach Niko Kovač and the general public, after being capped 114 times.

Pletikosa made his debut on 10 February 1999 against Denmark and replaced Dražen Ladić as a trademark of the Croatian national football team.

In the next 15 years, Pletikosa appeared at five major tournaments - European Championships 2008 and 2012, and World Cups 2002, 2006 and 2014. His final match was against Mexico in Brazil, trailing only his teammate and captain Darijo Srna (116 caps) at Croatia's all-time appearance list.

Split-born Pletikosa therefore retires as an international legend, and as one of the most popular players in Croatia's modern history.

"Stipe has recognized the moment to call time on his career and we all respect that. He has left a significant mark in Croatia's jersey, both as a goalkeeper and as a person. We can sincerely express our gratitude. In the name of the Croatian Football Federation, and personally, I wish him good health and lot of luck and success in his club career", said Davor Šuker, the president of the Croatian Football Federation.

Copyright by Croatian Football Federation. Quoting text from this article is granted subject to appropriate credit being given to HNS as a source and providing direct link to the original content at hns.family. Re-use of the photographs is not permitted.