Former Derby, West Ham and Croatian veteran defender Igor Stimac has said goodbye to soccer because of a worsening spine condition. Stimac was a key member of the Croatian squad that grabbed third place at the 1998 World Cup in France.
The 34-year-old, who played in England between 1996 and 2001, has been complaining of a sore back this season, as well as stomach pain caused by a long-standing hernia problem. "I am not feeling sad, I have had a wonderful career and will try to be as successful in the future", said Stimac.
Stimac played 53 games for the national team but dropped out of the squad after Croatia failed to qualify for the European Championships in Portugal and Holland in 2000. Croatia coach Mirko Jozic has since recalled Stimac and planned to take him to this year's World Cup finals if fit. It is reported that Stimac is a co-owner of local Croatian club Hajduk Split who finished runners-up in the domestic league.
Filed by James Shortt
