Serbia national team captain Dusan Tadic has announced his retirement from international football, ending his 16-year stint in the national team , reports the Reuters agency, quoted by BTA.
Tadic, Serbia's most capped player with 111, captained the team at the 2022 World Cup and 2024 European Championship. He finished his international career with 23 goals and 40 assists.
Despite being named captain, Tadic remained on the bench for the Serbs' Euro 2024 opener against England, leading to a row between him and coach Dragan Stojkovic. The 35-year-old striker later apologized to his coach and teammates.
"I stand by the words I spoke. "I didn't do it to offend my teammates or other people from our delegation in Germany," he wrote on Instagram, quoted by Reuters.
"Today, however, I am writing to announce the end of my international career. I say goodbye to the jersey of the Serbian national team. I had the privilege of playing for my country in two world championships, one European and Olympic Games.
"I want after the end of my career to stay in football, and nothing is better than helping your country. With family and friends, in the stands or in front of the screen, I will always be a loyal fan of Serbia.