Immediately after winning the Ballon d’Or in Paris, Luka Modrić sat down with France Football for a tell-all interview, reports Index.hr on December 6, 2018.
Luka Modric on the cover of France Football. pic.twitter.com/WSTYhrWL1x
— RMadridHome (@RMadridHome_) December 4, 2018
The first thing the Croatia captain and Real Madrid midfielder spoke about was the legendary former captain of the Croatia national team - Zvonimir Boban.
"I was playing for Tottenham and was going through a difficult time. Suddenly I received a message: 'Call me if you want. Zvone.” I thought that some of my friends were teasing me, but when I called the number, it was Boban. That conversation psychologically refreshed me, he was a man that I admired, and I was impressed by his past as a player and his simplicity,” Modrić said.
France Football was interested in Modrić’s past, from his adventures at Zrinjski to what happened with Hajduk. Recall, the Split club rejected him, which struck a chord with the footballer.
"When I started my professional career, I did not know I would reach such a level, even though I dreamed about playing for big clubs. Hajduk did not want me for various reasons, and even when Wenger did not want me, I saw it as just another obstacle I needed to overcome, the desire to show them that they have made a mistake."
But in Bosnia and Herzegovina, it was another story.
"I won my first award 15 years ago. When I was on loan to Zrinjski, the fans declared me the best team player by my team behavior and contributions. The BiH league is very demanding physically, and it is difficult for an 18-year-old player to develop; the referees did not protect me. After that season, I did not fear anything,” Luka said, before adding:
Luka Modric's emotional reaction when he discovers his Ballon d'Or #ballondor
— #ballondor (@francefootball) December 4, 2018
Congrats @lukamodric10 for this amazing year ? pic.twitter.com/JFewApQTd4
“I wanted to play like Boban, be the leader on the field, the key in the midfield, which connects the defense and the attack. Like a quarterback in American football. Others thought my height was a handicap; I did not. My experiences from Bosnia and Herzegovina helped me greatly. I did not feel physically inferior, and I'm stronger than many think... just ask my rivals. I am not afraid of the height of my rivals."
Modrić then switched to topics outside football.
"In basketball, I would certainly be successful, regardless of my height, I would be a good playmaker. I was born in the town of basketball, in Zadar, and I often play at Real's camp where we have a basketball court. And of course, I always win against my teammates! I am the best after Dražen Petrović, haha. The best of all time is Michael Jordan, and I keep one of his quotes stored in my mobile phone so that I can see it every day: 'Every time you fall, get up again.' Jordan never feared failure."
Luka also follows other sports, and especially his fellow countrymen.
"I love the New England Patriots and I love Tom Brady. They even have a Croatian there, as coach Bill Belichick has Croatian roots. The only problem is that they play at night, so I can’t watch them often. From other sports, I like everything where Croatians are successful: I'm a big fan of Marin Čilić, like Goran Ivanišević before, and I play tennis every time I get there."
What does a day in the life of Luka entail?
"I have a profile on Instagram, but I only publish football photos. I get up early and drive my kids in school, I go to lunch at Real Madrid’s center, then I go back to get the kids, and we play at home. I watch movies with my wife in our home theater... I have and a wine cellar with wines from Croatia, Italy, Spain, and France."
To read the full France Football interview, click here.
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