Zlatko Dalić, 59, has spent nine years in Croatia’s national team.
Now he leaves the position of national team captain.
– The support I have received in recent days encouraged me to reconsider my decision, but the time has come, he says.
Dalić stepped in as the national team captain of Croatia in 2017 and has since led the national team through its most successful era.
In total, there were medals in two major championships: a silver in the World Cup 2018 and a bronze in the World Cup 2022, as well as a silver in the 2023 edition of the Nations League.
– I have always said that there is no greater honor than leading one’s national team, and I could not have had a more important, more responsible and beautiful job, says Dalić according to CroatiaWeek.
“Thank you for everything”
The decision to quit must be Dalić’s own.
“A humble arrival. An unforgettable trip. A proud farewell“, writes the football association in a statement that continues:
“Captain, thank you for everything – the victories, the achievements, the qualification places, the medals, the unity, the respect and your unwavering commitment to fight for Croatia, both on and off the pitch.”
Croatia made it to the round of 16 in the World Cup this year, where they were knocked out by Portugal.
