Eduardo Alves da Silva, who with 29 goals for Croatia is the nations second most prolific striker on record, behind Davor Šuker, has decided to hang up his boots from international football…

The 31-year-old former Arsenal striker released a statement to the press on Tuesday, where he stated that he would no longer make himself available for the Croatian national team.

“I was selected 64 times in the last 10 years, from my first match for Croatia against Ireland in 2004. I scored 29 goals, which makes me the most prolific active striker in the team.” the man known as Dudu said, before continuing.

“With great pride and joy I play in the Croatian shirt and presented Croatian football around the world. It was important to justify the trust that the fans gave me for which I am especially grateful. I’m in the team among players, coaches and many other people (medical staff, technical staff, and others) who are very much, everyone in their own way, important and I made many friends. I also thank all the coaches who had faith in me. I will remember playing for Croatia only in a nice way,” Eduardo said, before wishing the side all the best in the future.

“Thanks, Eduardo. I wish him all the luck in the world for the rest of his career,” Croatia’s current coach Niko Kovač said on Tuesday after the announcement.