Asanovic calls it a day

Aljosa Asanovic, one of the finest Croatian midfield players of the 1990s, called time on an illustrious 17-year career in Australia on Sunday.

Standing ovation
The 36-year-old earned a standing ovation when he was replaced with 23 minutes to go during his fourth and final match for Sydney United FC, a club with a fine Croatian heritage.

Fine touches
Although slower than the silky version that starred at EURO 96™ and the 1998 FIFA World Cup, Asanovic still showed plenty of fine touches in his side's 2-0 defeat by city rivals Parramatta Power FC at Edensor Park stadium.

First goal
Capped 62 times by his country, Asanovic was an integral figure in the side that came third in France in 1998. He will also go down in Croatian football folklore after scoring the first goal for an independent Croatia against the United States in 1990.

European experience
Asanovic started his career at HNK Hajduk Split before playing for FC Metz, Montpellier Hérault SC, Real Valladolid, Derby County FC, SSC Napoli, and finally Panathinaikos FC prior to his move to Sydney.