Mario Mandzukic announces he has terminated his contract at Qatari club Al-Duhail… following just six months in the Middle East after arriving from Serie A champions Juventus
- Mario Mandzukic only joined Al-Duhail in December after leaving Juventus
- The 34-year-old did not feature once under new Juve manager Maurizio Sarri
- Manduzkic only played five times in the Qatar Stars League and failed to score
- The Croat could now return to Italy, with AC Milan and Benevento interested
Former Juventus striker Mario Mandzukic has terminated his contract at Al-Duhail after just six months at the club.
The 34-year-old striker moved to Qatar in December after falling out of favour under manager Maurizio Sarri at Juventus.
But the Croat, who scored the winner against England in the 2018 World Cup semi-finals, is now a free agent after confirming on his Instagram page that he has cut short his contract in the Middle East by mutual consent.
Mario Manduzkic has terminated his contract at Qatari club Al-Duhail after just six months
‘I appreciate the trust and hospitality that I have received in Qatar and I wish the best to the club and the team in the future,’ Mandzukic said.
Manduzkic played 5 times for Al-Duhail in the Qatar Stars League, but failed to score during his short stay.
Before his move to the Middle East, Juventus boss Maurizio Sarri has not used Manduzkic once in the first team at Juve.
He was used regularly under previous manager Massimiliano Allegri, and won four Serie A titles and three Coppa Italia crowns during his time at the club.
Mandzukic also scored a memorable bicycle-kick in the 2017 Champions League final against Real Madrid, who eventually ran out 4-1 winners.
Now, a return to Italy has been mooted, with AC Milan and Serie B leaders Benevento all linked with the 34-year-old.
A free transfer to Turkey, with Galatasaray and Fenerbahce circling, is also a possibility for veteran goalscorer Manduzkic.