Marko Livaja shines at Split futsal tournament

Marko Livaja, the captain of Croatian football club Hajduk, recently demonstrated his enduring football prowess at the Krešimir Lozina memorial futsal tournament held in Split. Playing for the Restoran Duje team, Livaja was instrumental in their decisive 3-0 victory over Real Madrid in the quarter-finals.

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After long consideration, I have made the decision to leave the Croatian national team, which I informed the Croatian Football Federation about before this announcement.

Livaja not only contributed to his team's success but also marked the scoreboard with a goal. He shared the pitch with other notable figures, including futsal player Josip Božinović and footballers Tonio Teklić and Josip Elez, highlighting a blend of current and former players participating in the event.

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I am grateful to the coach and staff for all the time spent in the national team and the recognition as a player, and the bronze from Qatar and the atmosphere among teammates, and the joy in the whole country and diaspora due to the great success, will always remain especially in my heart.

This appearance comes after Livaja's surprising decision to retire from the Croatian national team in 2023. At the time, he expressed gratitude to the coaching staff and emphasized his pride in representing his country, particularly recalling the "bronze from Qatar" and the national joy surrounding that achievement. He wished for continued focus and positivity for the team as they prepared for upcoming matches.

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I am proud of every appearance for my homeland and I would like the focus and positivity to be directed towards the players, I hope they will welcome the next important matches in peace and without tension.