Croatian coach Zlatko Dalic has officially announced his departure. He led the team to a runner-up finish at the 2018 World Cup.

The Croatian Football Federation (HNS) officially announced on Wednesday that Zlatko Dalic has resigned as head coach of the national team. His nine-year tenure ends with the Croatian national team's elimination in the Round of 32 of this year's World Cup.

The 59-year-old Dalic has coached numerous teams including Varajdin, Rijeka, Dynamo City, Slaven, Faisalli, Al-Hilal, and Al Ain. He officially succeeded Ante Čačić as Croatia's head coach in October 2017. During his tenure, he successfully led Croatia's "Golden Generation" to runner-up in the 2018 World Cup, third place in the 2022 World Cup, and runner-up in the 2023 UEFA Nations League, with an overall record of 62 wins, 20 draws, and 29 losses.

In his farewell statement, Dalic said emotionally: "The national team coach has to make many difficult decisions, but this is undoubtedly the most difficult one. I have always believed that coaching the national team is the highest honor. I could never find a job more important, more responsible, or more fulfilling. When I took over the national team, I had great confidence in the players and in my own abilities. Nevertheless, I never dreamed that we would achieve such great success in the last nine years."

"I can't express how proud I am of every victory, every major tournament qualification, our three medals, and the unforgettable nights in Croatian football history (such as beating England and Brazil in the World Cup). But what I'm most proud of is the unity we've built within our team and with the Croatian people. This was clearly demonstrated in our triumphant celebrations after winning our World Cup medals."

"Without exceptional qualities, hard work, and unwavering dedication, such significant achievements would not have been possible. Therefore, I sincerely thank everyone who has poured their heart and soul into our shared success – my coaching team, team doctors, physiotherapists, equipment managers, and the HNS support team who have always provided us with strong support."

"I would also like to thank the Football Association leadership for their continued support, the fans for their strong support all the way, and the media for creating a positive atmosphere for the national team while offering constructive criticism. Finally, I would like to thank my family. Without their support, I could not have achieved all of this."

"Of course, the most important contributors to all achievements are the players on the pitch. I am deeply honored to coach such outstanding players and extraordinary people—from our captain Luka Modric, to the experienced leaders who fought alongside me in Russia, to the young players we have gradually brought into the squad and who continue to take on important roles."

“I am sincerely grateful to them for always putting Croatia’s interests first and for demonstrating the true essence of the Croatian national team culture through their attitude, dedication and professionalism. With them, Croatia’s future is bright. As long as they regard representing the national team as a sacred mission, just like their predecessors, Croatia will continue to be strong and competitive and capable of challenging any opponent.”

“I want to thank President Kustic for his extraordinary support, our excellent collaboration, and his trust in my continued coaching. The support I received over the past few days made me reconsider my decision to resign, but... the time has come.”

"While I remain ambitious and eager to continue writing new chapters of glory with Croatia, I believe now is the perfect time to bring this extraordinary era to a close. I leave with great enthusiasm and pride in having contributed to the greatest achievement in Croatian football history. I wish my successors, the Croatian national team, and Croatian football continued success, and I firmly believe that it will come."

Image source: Internet/HNS official website