Croatia's Nikola Kalinic has refused a World Cup silver medal after being sent home in the group stages.
"However, he then stated that he wasn't ready to come on due to a back issue. The same thing happened during the Brazil friendly in England, as well as before the practice session on Sunday.
"I have calmly accepted that, and since I need my players fit and ready to play, I have made this decision."
Even a man short and with two-hour knockout games and penalty shootouts being thrown at them, Croatia went without him and overcame England after extra-time to become the smallest-ever country to reach the World Cup final.
Winning the tournament proved a step too far though with France triumphing a week ago in Moscow with the Vetreni having to settle for second place.
Kalinic, however, had no interest in picking up a consolation prize after not playing a single minute in Russia.
"Thanks for the medal, but I did not play in Russia," the 30-year-old is quoted. Kalinic's future in Italy remains in doubt and despite returning for preseason in Milan a move to Atletico Madrid has been rumoured.