Unhappy Jelavic quits Croatia

ZAGREB, Croatia (AP) — Unhappy with sitting on the bench, Nikica Jelavic says he is quitting the Croatian national team.

The Hull striker made the announcement on Saturday, a day after he sat out the European Championship qualifying match against Bulgaria that Croatia won 1-0 in Sofia.

Croatia coach Niko Kovac was surprised by Jelavic's announcement and wished him well in his future career.

Kovac said: "I thank him for everything he has done for the Croatian national team. I wish him the best in his life and his club football career."

The 29-year-old has played 36 games for Croatia, scoring 6 goals. Before joining Hull this season, Jelavic played for Hajduk Split, Rangers and Everton.