Croatian star Luka Modric was left teary-eyed, as he responded to the plea of an Italian journalist who asked him to never retire from football. The 2024 Euros will likely be the 38-year old midfielder’s last international tournament with the national team. The Real Madrid icon was left disappointed after Croatia failed to win against Italy in Leipzig.
A late equalizer by Italian forward Mattia Zaccagni greatly reduced Croatia’s chances of advancing to the knockout stage. The draw meant that Croatia finished their Group B campaign in third position. A distraught Luka Modric , while speaking to the press after the match, hinted at his possible retirement from the national team.
The 2018 Ballon d’Or winner expressed his desire to play indefinitely but acknowledged the eventual need to retire upon being urged by Italian journalist Francesco Repice to never retire. The moment left the player visibly emotional, as the other press members applauded the plea. Repice also added that the 38-year old star is one of the finest players he’s commented on.
This was a truly beautiful moment in the post-match press conference ❤️ #BBCEuros #Euro2024 #CROITA pic.twitter.com/K8VowAgm7m Despite his poor performance at this year’s Euros, Modric has achieved legendary status in football having led Croatia to a runner-up and a third-place finish in the last two World Cups.
He might soon retire from the national team, following in the footsteps of his fellow Real Madrid star Toni Kroos.
