Dusan Tadic (35) is definitely retiring as an international, he confirmed via Instagram. Earlier this week it was announced that the former Ajax player would announce his retirement.
At the European Championship, Tadic was at odds with national coach Dragan Stojkovic, who decided to pass him over several times. Tadic was only allowed to start against Slovenia and had to make do with substitutions for the rest. After the first group match, the veteran was critical of this. “I am the captain and best player and should start,” Tadic told Serbian media.
In his statement on Instagram, Tadic first cites those words. “I feel the need to explain things that were controversial at the time. I still stand by the views I expressed then, and I want to emphasize that I did not want to offend my teammates or anyone else who was part of the Serbian team in Germany,” the attacker writes.
“In addition, the main reason for this announcement is that I have decided to say goodbye to the Serbian shirt. If I can still be of use in the future: let the profession, the public or whoever feels invited to do so discuss it. It was a great pleasure to defend the colors of the national team. With my family and friends, in the public or in front of the screen, I will always remain a loyal fan of Serbia.”
The breaking point
The breaking point for Tadic, who seems to be keeping the door open for a return, does not seem to have happened in Germany. It only happened during the European Championship final, when Serbia had long since gone home.
Stojkovic then joined Serbian television as an analyst, praising Harry Kane and Álvaro Morata for their reactions to their substitution. “Two captains, leaders of their national teams. Not a single gesture, not even a small reaction that could break the spirit of the team,” Stojkovic said.
According to Telegraph Tadic felt personally attacked by Stojkovic, which is why he decided to quit. Tadic retires with 111 international matches to his name, as well as 23 goals.
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