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Danijel Subasic becomes third Croatia player to retire after World Cup

Monaco goalkeeper Danijel Subasic is retiring from international competition, becoming the third Croatia player to leave the national team since reaching the World Cup final.

Subasic, 33, joined forward Mario Mandzukic and defender Vedran Corluka in announcing their retirements after Croatia lost 4-2 to France in July in their first international final.

"The time has come for me to say farewell to our favourite jersey after 10 years in the national team," Subasic wrote in an open letter published on the Croatia football federation's website. "I have made this decision long before the 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."

Subasic made 44 appearances for Croatia, keeping 16 clean sheets in competitive fixtures, and became their No. 1 following the 2014 World Cup. He won his first cap in a friendly against Liechtenstein on Nov. 14, 2009.