Croatia defender Lovren retires from international competition

Lovren added that he had made this decision 'with an open heart and after a lot of consideration'.

VETERAN: Dejan Lovren. Pic: Mike Egerton/PA Wire

Croatian defender Dejan Lovren announced his international retirement on Thursday, following a storied run with the "Fiery Ones" that included second and third place finishes at the World Cup.

"The time has come to say my final goodbye to the Croatian national team," said Lovren in a message published by the Croatian Football Federation.