Robert Kovač Says Goodbye to National Team

November 11, 2009

The 35 year-old Robert Kovač has followed in the path of his brother, Niko, and has retired from national team play. Robert first joined the squad 10 years ago in April of 1999, when they hosted Italy in a friendly match in Zagreb. He has played an important role in his nation’s squad for the past 10 years and will be greatly missed. He confirmed his retirement last week. Bilić said on the fact, “He was the best defensive Croatian player. We thank him for everything he has done in the past 10 years on the pitch, and off. Robert Kovač is a true professional and a great person.”

In Robert’s 10 years with the national team, he earned 84 apps, just one more than his brother, making him second in the most appearances chart, just behind Darijo Simić. Both Kovač brothers had a successful time in the Euro 2008, and Robert in World Cup qualifying, but we will now miss them both during the Euro 2012 campaign. The HNS (Croatian Football Federation) is considering a “farewell match” for the brothers as they played wholeheartedly for so many years and deserve a nice farewell. The match has yet to be organized, but seems a brilliant idea and will likely take place.

Jill Guthrie

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