Croatia International and current Red Bull Salzburg midfielder Niko Kovac has called time on his International Career following his lack of playing time and desire to not become a selection nuisance to head coach Slaven Bilic.

Via SI

“After almost no minute played for Red Bull, such a decision was logical,” Kovac told Sportske Novosti daily. “I didn’t want to be a burden to the coach, to my co-players and, eventually, to myself.”

“In this state, without playing, I would no longer be a boost for the team, but maybe an aggravating factor,” he said.

Kovac, who played 83 games for Croatia, scoring 15 goals, was respected and loved both by players and fans. Croatia coach Slaven Bilic said that even though Kovac might not have been the best defender in the world, he was “most precious” to the team.

Kovac said in the interview that he may be retire from football completely when his current contract expires at the end of the season.

“As things stand now, the end is near,” he said, adding that his contract with Red Bull is valid until the end of the season. “It is possible that the end of the contract will be the end of my career.”

It is not yet known who will replace Kovac as Croatia’s captain.

Image via TheSun