Croatian defender Dejan Lovren retires from international football

33-year-old player was 2-time FIFA World Cup medalist

By Can Erozden

ANKARA (AA) - Croatian central defender Dejan Lovren, who won two FIFA World Cup medals, retired from international football on Thursday.

"Dear teammates, dear Croatia fans ... The time has come for me to say my final goodbye to the Croatian national team, though I will forever remain a huge supporter of the Vatreni and will follow the team in each coming match," Lovren said in an emotional open letter that he posted on Twitter.

The 33-year-old player said he considered a lot to retire from international duty, and his announcement was not easy for him.

Lovren thanked all of his head coaches at Croatia, former and current teammates at the national team, as well as Croatia staff for their support and efforts.

Former Liverpool defender Lovren bagged two World Cup medals – silver in Russia 2018 and bronze in Qatar 2022.

Lovren scored five goals in 78 international caps for Croatia.

He joined Olympique Lyon from Russia's Zenit in January and has a contract with the French club until 2025.

Lovren helped Liverpool win a UEFA Champions League, a UEFA Super Cup, and an English Premier League title.

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