July 22, 2020 - In his latest interview, Luka Modric spoke honestly about Real Madrid and where he plans to continue his career.

Luka Modric is resting in Croatia after winning the Spanish title with Real Madrid for the second time in his career. The captain of the Croatia national team interviewed for Sportske novosti, in which he commented on the situation at Real Madrid and the end of the season.

He expressed satisfaction with the title, and also commented on the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo, the unfortunate injury of Eden Hazard, the status of Karim Benzema, and the young hopes off the bench such as Vinicius Junior and Fede Valverde. It was Valverde who was marked as the 'new Modrić', that is, he is often substituted on for the Croatian midfielder.

At one point, the Spanish media began to highlight Luka's age and write that his time had already passed. Modric revealed that he also talked to Zidane about why Valverde is playing, and not him.

"Zidane told me that he was very pleased with my work, my approach, and that I should just continue like that. He had no doubts about my abilities; he just told me honestly that at that moment, he has a different vision of what is best for the team. I accepted that attitude and rolled up my sleeves. I was still full of motivation and desire to show myself, as I was the first day I came to Madrid. Later, everything fell into place," revealed Modric, who, even at the age of 34, looks powerful and pleases the crowd with his extraordinary skill.

Age, strength, and knowledge are not in dispute at all. Luka Modric can continue at a very high pace for several more years. He has repeatedly mentioned that he would like to retire at Real.

"And who wouldn't?! But it remains to be seen whether the club will want it. Real is my home, but Real decides what is best for the club. I know midfielders or strikers rarely stay here until they are 35 years old. I succeeded and it was not given to me, but I deserved it with my work and behavior. If Real estimates that I am no longer the one, I am ready for that unwanted option as well. Nothing would change my emotion towards the club. Although, I hope to break the stereotype that you can't end your career at Real after a certain age - 34, 35. I tried very hard to get to Real, I went through everything and I will not give up that status lightly. I will fight on the pitch to deserve to stay," said Modric and added:

"The only sure thing is that I will play for Real until June 2021, and after that? At my age, I don't think much about it, haha... We'll see. Let's go step by step. I’m not at the beginning of my career, but I feel like I have a few more years of real football in my legs. I’m 100 percent sure I still want to play. I have the same motives for training, fighting, sacrificing to win and trophies. The most important thing is that my health serves me," concluded the Croatia captain. 

You can read the full interview here.

To read more about sport in Croatia, follow TCN's dedicated page.

July 17, 2020 - Croatia national team captain and Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modric played an essential role in the victory that confirmed the new champion of Spain.

Real Madrid mathematically confirmed the Spanish title with a 2-1 victory against Villarreal on Thursday night.

Karim Benzema scored both of Madrid's goals in the match, and Luka Modric assisted the first. Iborra scored for Villarreal.

Real took the lead in the 29th minute. Casemiro found Modric, who pushed the ball into the penalty area with a timely lay off for Benzema, who scored for the 1-0 lead.

Real increased their lead in the 77th minute thanks to a penalty won by Sergio Ramos. Real's captain stepped up to the penalty spot and cunningly played Benzema, who scored, though his goal was disallowed as he entered the penalty area before Ramos touched the ball.

A repeated attempt was made by Benzema, who hit accurately for 2-0.

Villarreal reduced Madrid's lead in the 83rd minute, and could have scored again had Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois not saved Real on several occasions.

Marco Asensio scored for 3-1 in added time, though the goal was called back due to handball.

??? ¡La foto de los CAMPEONES de @LaLiga 2019/20!#34Ligas | #RealFootball pic.twitter.com/k0Ss0xk6Kw

— Real Madrid C.F.⚽ (@realmadrid) July 16, 2020

One round before the end, the Royal Club has an unattainable seven-point advantage over Barcelona, who lost at home to Osasuna (1-2).

Osasuna took the lead through Arnaiz in the 15th minute, Messi equalized in the 62nd minute, and Roberto Torres shocked Barcelona in added time and resolved all doubts about the new champion.

This is Real Madrid's 34th Spanish title. Real won their last title in 2017, also under the leadership of Zinedine Zidane. The Madrid club came to the new title thanks to a fantastic defense that received 23 goals in 37 league games and with only three defeats.

One of the key players of Blancos was again Luka Modric, who led the team with his brilliant play, especially after the championship resumed after the break caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

Since the continuation of La Liga on June 14, Real have recorded nine victories, thus leading ahead of Barcelona. Eibar, Valencia, Real Sociedad, Mallorca, Espanyol, Getafe, Athletic Bilbao, Alaves, Granada and Villarreal. 

This is Luka's second Spanish championship title since joining Real Madrid in 2012. Luka Modric and this Real Madrid generation are now the second most celebrated group of players in the club's 118-year history.

To read more about sport in Croatia, follow TCN's dedicated page.

July 14, 2020 - The captain of the Croatian national football team, Luka Modric, played all 90 minutes in Real Madrid's away victory against Granada, which was a pertinent win in their fight for the Spanish title.

HRT writes that two rounds before the end of the championship, Real is four points ahead of Barcelona, and in three days in Madrid, they will have the opportunity to secure the 34th Spanish title by winning against Villarreal.

Luka Modric received special praise for his first half against Granada, in which he conducted the game from the midfield, served his teammates accurately, and was timely in defense.

"Where the greats fall and score hard, he assisted two goals in the first 15 minutes. Zidane placed him behind Benzema and placed Casemiro as a guard for the Croat and the winger. This proved to be a complete hit as Granada spent the first half hour, during which Real scored both goals to win, hunting for shadows. Modric led the game from foot to foot, and by circling the ball quickly and precisely, he made for an elusive opponent," Marca wrote about Modric's play against Granada.

Along with Courtois, Ramos and Benzema, Modric received three stars for his performance.

MARCA: Someone needs to get Modric a new Real Madrid contract... and fast. Members of the old guard, like Ramos & Benzema, have been integral, but none stood out more than Luka on Monday night. Another vintage display & not far from his Ballon d'Or best. pic.twitter.com/AZIzvLIFFi

— M•A•J (@Ultra_Suristic) July 14, 2020

"The veteran was the best among the penalty areas. He entered the game brilliantly, which he proved by assisting both of Real's early goals. He was great with and without the ball. In the second half, when he was expected to fall under the pressure of years (34), he read the game best and was characterized by freshness. He looks great and is definitely back," added Marca.

"Modric may not be in the form he was in 2018 when he won the Ballon d'Or, but he is not far away. The 34-year-old played the game as in his best days at the Estadio Nuevo Los Carmenes and may have pushed the decision of the Real Board of Directors. If his contract is not extended next year, he will leave Real," Marca wrote in an article entitled, "Someone should give Modric a new contract .. and quickly". 

Similarly, AS wrote that Modric was Real's best player, especially in the first half:

"He looked impressive and brilliant in every action with the ball in his feet. We are talking about a man who is practically 35 years old, but obviously has inexhaustible energy. "

Modric is Magic, Modric is timeless, Modric is simply a GOAT ?

— OMAR. (@Omaaar96) July 13, 2020

Real coach Zinedine Zidane gave Modric a slightly more offensive role in this match, the Croatian captain played right behind Karim Benzema.

To read more about sport in Croatia, follow TCN's dedicated page. 

July 10, 2020 - The president of the Croatian Football Federation (HNS), Davor Suker, said in an interview with the Spanish sports newspaper AS that he would look for players of Croatian origin around the world that could play for the Croatia national team.

"We have a lot of big projects along the way, including organizing competitions for Croatian footballers in the USA, Canada, Argentina, Chile, Australia and other countries with a strong Croatian diaspora. Compared to Germany, Spain, France, Italy or England, we have a small population, so we need to identify all talented Croatian players, in all corners of the world," said Suker on HRT, noting that he is focused on current work in HNS and that he "enjoys his position", and is also focused on working in the Executive Board of the European Football Association (UEFA), so he is not thinking about changing jobs.

The former striker of Sevilla and Real Madrid thinks that it would be good for the captain of the national team, Luka Modric, to play fewer games at his club next season so that he could come to the European Championship in June 2021 fresh and ready.

"For us in Croatia, it would be good for Luka to come to the Euros with 35 to 40 games played instead of 55 to 60. The next season, with a full calendar, will be challenging for everyone. At this point in his career, I think he would be better off not playing all the games," Suker said.

Modric has made 36 appearances for Real Madrid so far this season. By the end of the championship, there are four games left and the return match of the last-16 of the Champions League against Manchester City. The Madrid club lost at home in the first round 1-2. Modric will turn 35 in two months and is the oldest player at Real Madrid. His contract with the leading team of the Spanish championship expires in a year. Asked whether Real Madrid would extend his contract after June 30, 2021, Suker replied:

"That is not my decision, and I respect Luka and Real very much to suggest something to them. Luka is a phenomenon, he will turn 35 in September, he has won everything in his career, and he still has the same ambition, passion and hunger for football like a young player. Luka takes good care of his body and continues to show first-class football on the pitch. I believe Real Madrid respects that and appreciates everything he has done there over the years. Therefore, I believe that he will have a place for him as long as he plays at this level," said Suker.

The vice-captain of the Croatian national team, Ivan Rakitic, will have his contract with Barcelona expire in a year. Suker was asked if the Catalan club was unfair to the 32-year-old midfielder because he was deprived of his place in the starting lineup this season, while speculations about his possible sale are ongoing.

"I do not participate in the daily activities of Barcelona, ​​so I cannot judge whether Ivan was treated unfairly, only he knows that. I know he is proud to wear the Barca jersey and always gives his best. He has more than 300 appearances for Barca, has won many trophies, and has been a key player in many important matches. In addition, he is a great worker on the pitch, is focused on the team, has leadership skills and never creates problems in the dressing room. I believe that all coaches and clubs are more than happy to have such a player," Suker replied.

Last month, Rakitic said that he wanted to play more at Barcelona, ​​where he has been since the summer of 2014, and to stay there as long as possible.

"At this stage of his career, after everything he has won, it is normal that he wants to play and not sit on the bench. If he can play in Barcelona, ​​I believe that will remain his first option. But if Ivan and Barcelona feel that the time has come to take a new step, which is normal in football, I do not doubt that he will be a great reinforcement for any big club because he still has a lot of good football left in him," Suker believes.

Rakitic has played in 39 games for the current champion Barcelona, ​​which currently holds second place in the championship.

"If he leaves Barcelona, ​​he will be proud of the time he spent there because it was six great years. When you spend your best years playing for a big club and winning big trophies, it means that you have managed your career well," said the president of HNS.

Suker played for Sevilla as a striker from 1991 to 1996 and then moved to Real Madrid, where he remained until 1999.

To conclude, it was announced on Thursday by HRT that Zlatko Dalic will lead the national team until the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. The president of the Croatian Football Federation and Dalic have officially agreed on a new contract for two years and five months.

This has yet to be confirmed by the HNS Executive Board, which will meet later this month, but it should only be a formality.

Dalic was supposed to lead Croatia at the Euros in 2020, and as it was postponed for a year, he decided to stay at least until then. His existing contract ended in the summer, and he had rich offers from China and Arab countries.

To read more about sport in Croatia, follow TCN's dedicated page. 

June 15, 2020 - Luka Modric revealed plans for his future to the Italian Gazzetta.

Gol.hr reports that the captain of the Croatia national team, Luka Modric, said in an interview with the newspaper La Gazetta dello Sport that he would play at a high level for another two years, and then attend a coaching course.

"I am sure I can play at a high level for another two years, after that we will see. I would like to finish my career at Real Madrid, but it will also depend on the club. After that, I will attend a coaching course," Modric said.

The midfielder is the oldest in the Real Madrid dressing room at the age of 34, and his contract expires in a year, on June 30, 2021.

"I feel like a normal person who loves modesty and moderation. I am persistent. My teammates in Madrid call me 'vinagre' (vinegar) because I do not accept defeat in training," said the Croatian captain.

He said that he would continue to play for Croatia, which is expected to play in the European Championships next summer.

"For us, the national team is more than football. As a player, and a coach, I would be honored to be there," he noted.

Last year, the media speculated about his possible departure to Milan when Zvonimir Boban, the former captain of the Croatia national team, was the director there. Still, Real Madrid and Boban himself said that there was nothing to that story.

"Boban was my idol when I was a boy, and I bought a red and black jersey because of him. I imagined myself a Milan player, but in the end, my path was different. And when you come to Real Madrid, you don't think about going to other clubs. If things didn't go well in Madrid, I would consider the Italian league. But, honestly, my only priority has always been Real Madrid," said Modric.

To read more about sport in Croatia, follow TCN's dedicated page.

March 23, 2020 - The Croatia national team members and coach Zlatko Dalic recorded a video with instructions on how Croatian citizens should behave during the coronavirus pandemic, with a final message that is as important as it is simple - stay home!

Captain Luka Modric, vice-captain Ivan Rakitic and the rest of the Croatia national team were supposed to travel to Doha today for a friendly tournament, but instead, they're spending time at home with their loved ones because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Considering the gravity of the situation, the 2018 World Cup finalists made a video, and in cooperation with the Croatian Institute of Public Health, sent instructions on how you should protect yourself during this pandemic. The video ends with a clear message, in the end, sent by the captain of the national team and the best player in the world in 2018, Luka Modric: "Stay home!"

HNS has already shown an understanding of the gravity of the situation by reacting early and postponing the Croatian football competitions. The Federation delegation led by president Davor Suker and coach Zlatko Dalic opted for voluntary self-isolation after attending the same event with the coronavirus-positive Serbian football federation president in Amsterdam. 

The Croatian Football Federation calls on all citizens and organizations to take the maximum responsibility, seriousness and compliance with all measures prescribed by the competent state institutions in order to overcome this crisis together as soon as possible.

For live updates, follow our COVID-19 dedicated page. 

March 1, 2020 - Luka Modric and Ivan Rakitic will meet for the 18th time in El Classico tonight, to be played at 9 pm at Santiago Bernabeu in Madrid.

It was March 2019, exactly a year ago. Barcelona won at the Bernabeu and Ivan Rakitic scored the only goal of the game, reports 24 Sata.

“Setien, don't forget about Raketa, he knows how to mess with Real,” read the headlines of Spanish media ahead of El Clasico on Sunday night.

And this is not by accident. Apart from the fact that Rakitic scored Barcelona's last goal against Madrid, and it has been exactly one year since then, but he has scored four goals in his career against Real Madrid. The only club he has scored more against is Real Betis, recording five goals total. Rakitic is gaining momentum once again, and has started for Barcelona in the last two games, against Eibar and Napoli. All signs lead to him starting again against Real Madrid tonight.

The 'Croatian El Clasico' returns for its 18th episode. 

The first collision of Rakitic and Modric was in September 2012. Then, Rakitic was a star in Seville, while Luka Modric was going through tough times at Real Madrid. In that match, Luka came off the bench for Mesut Özil. Sevilla won 1:0, and Rakitic and Modric exchanged jerseys. Since then, they have played against each other 17 times - Rakitic celebrated nine times, four games ended in a draw, and Modric won four times.

If we were to compare the two players in La Liga this year, then Luka is more successful. Modric started in 13 games this season, playing an average of 63 minutes per game and scoring three goals. Rakitic, on the other hand, has not scored a single goal this season, has started only in nine games, and is playing 46 minutes per game.

The match tonight is a massive step towards the La Liga title. If Barcelona wins, they will be five points ahead and push Real Madrid into even bigger problems, potentially resulting in a Zinedine Zidane sacking. 

Thus, the story of Ivan and Luka continues. The story of two friends, whose intertwined football journey began in September 2007, when Croatia beat Estonia 2:0.

To read more about sport in Croatia, follow TCN’s dedicated page. 

November 18, 2019 - A formal presentation of Luka Modric's autobiography, titled My Game, drew a crowd at the Emerald Room of the Esplanade Hotel on Sunday night. In fact, the majority of those present make up the strongest forces of Croatian football in the last quarter of a century. 

Novi List reports that Real Madrid's Director of Institutional Relations Emilio Butragueno and Brazilian footballer Marcelo even came from Madrid. Of course, Modric's family took center stage, without whose support his career might not have had such success.

Modric's autobiography was presented by the Croatian hero himself and Robert Matteoni, an outspoken sports journalist who recorded everything in the book. With them was Tarik Filipovic, who played another leadership role. Slaven Bilic arrived from England for this occasion, who led Modric for eight years in Croatia, under the auspices of the U-21 and A national teams.

“Like all other children, I had my dreams, desires and hopes, but all that I have accomplished is more, much more than anything I dreamed of. When I look back, I can only be proud and happy,” said Modric, who was greeted with a great round of applause by the entire Emerald Hall.

On Saturday night at Rujevica, Croatia's secured their spot at the Euros. Since Modric will lead the national team at the tournament next year, it could easily happen that in the next twelve months, another expanded edition of his autobiography will be published. Namely, as he pointed out, the result from the World Cup in Russia was crucial for his cooperation with Matteoni.

“The idea of writing a book has been on my mind for a long time, and it has always been a great wish for me. However, I was missing more success in the national team jersey. That came true in Russia, and then we started writing. Robert and I have had an excellent relationship for many years and he pushed me towards it. When I decided that the time was right for an autobiography, I called him, and that's how things went,” explained Modric.

The intense collaboration lasted for over a year and the end result is My Game, which will be translated into twelve languages.

“For me, it was a great pleasure and privilege. In my humble opinion, Luka’s autobiography is one of the most important things to happen after the World Cup in Russia. He simply had to explain his life to people. We all know his football journey, and now we have a peek behind the scenes and are told the story of his family, which is immensely beautiful. I couldn't wait to write it and I hope we were successful,” Matteoni pointed out.

Judging by the reactions of those who have already read the autobiography, the work has been done at the highest level. It should be noted that Modric was also a guest of Interliber, a book fair in Zagreb before the Esplanade ceremony, where he aroused the interest of many. A multitude of young children came to greet their idol and obtain a signed copy of the book. According to Bilic, all of them will hardly find a better role model than Modric.

“It’s a great honor to be a part of the whole story about Luka. A man is the wisest when he grows old, but if he waited a few more years, volumes of books should be written about him. So much has happened in Luka’s life in very little time and he had to share it with the whole world. It is the duty of all the greats, and Luka certainly is one of them,” concluded Bilic.

To read more about sport in Croatia, follow TCN’s dedicated page. 

November 12, 2019 - While Messi and Ronaldo have won almost everything, there is one award their trophy cases are missing... the one that Luka Modric accepted in Monte Carlo on Tuesday night. 

Luka Modric did not travel to Opatija on Tuesday with the rest of the Croatia national team, though he has a good reason. Luka instead went to Monaco to accept the Golden Foot award! 

Prince Albert II awarded the captain of the Croatian national team the Golden Foot Award, a prize given to football players for their individual and team achievements and their personality. The award has been presented since 2003.

"I am honored to receive this award. I am returning to my best level, as I showed in the last game. There are seven crucial matches until the end of the year, and we will continue to play well," Modric said after receiving the award.

? Another big night coming up for #Croatia captain @lukamodric10...#BeProud #Vatreni? pic.twitter.com/S4DdNh2baw

— HNS (@HNS_CFF) November 12, 2019

Modric arrived in Monte Carlo by private jet and immediately returned to Croatia after the ceremony. In Opatija, he will join his national teammates and continue preparations for the decisive European Championship qualification match - the clash between Croatia and Slovakia, which is played on Saturday at Rujevica at 8:45 pm.

For the Golden Foot award, the jury proposes candidates who must be at least 28 years old and active footballers, while the winner is selected by the audience in an online vote. This year, Modric celebrated against fierce competition, including Messi, Ronaldo, Chiellini, Ramos, Lewandowski, Aguero, Pique, Rooney and Silva.

Last year's winner was Edinson Cavani, and interestingly, neither Lionel Messi nor Cristiano Ronaldo has ever received this award. Some of the earlier winners include Roberto Baggio, Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, Alessandro Del Piero, Roberto Carlos, Andriy Shevchenko, Francesco Totti, Iker Casillas, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, and Andreas Iniesta.

The winner has the honor of leaving a footprint on the Prince's Champion's Promenade. For Modric, this will be one of a series of awards he won after the 2018 World Cup. Not only was he awarded the Golden Ball of that tournament, but he was later named the best player in Europe and the world.

Source: Gol.hr

To read more about sport in Croatia, follow TCN’s dedicated page. 

October 9, 2019 - As most everyone in Croatia is already well aware, Croatia and Hungary will meet at Poljud stadium in Split on Thursday for a crucial Euro 2020 qualifier. This is the first time the national team has played in Split since 2015, and sold-out stadium awaits. Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic and captain Luka Modric spoke to the media on Wednesday at Poljud ahead of the game. 

The Croatia national team moved to Split this week to prepare for their Euro 2020 qualifier against Hungary. The team is staying at the Le Meridien Lav Hotel and trained in Omis before moving to Poljud for a night training on Wednesday evening. Before the team trained on Wednesday, coach Zlatko Dalic and captain Luka Modric met the press. 

The press conference started congratulating Luka for his goal against Granada. 

“Thank you. But the biggest thing is for us to win tomorrow in front of our fans.”

How does Luka feel about being back in Split?

“Everything is good so far haha. We are happy to be back at Poljud after such a long time. I expect a lot of support tomorrow and that the fans will carry us to a win. We can’t wait to be back here.”

What is the biggest factor in Croatia achieving a positive result on Thursday? 

“It’s most important how we enter the game. We must all play together on the same level. Hungary showed their quality already and that they’re dangerous. It’s a big game, and we must win to get through these qualifications and qualify for Euro peacefully.” 

How much psychological pressure is Luka feeling as captain, being back at Poljud, and playing in front of Dalmatia again?

“There is no pressure; we are only thinking positively. It’s been a long time since we have been here, and the atmosphere will be excellent.” 

It was Dalic’s turn to take the mic.

“We respect Hungary. It doesn’t matter that they’re missing a few players. We need to give everything we have tomorrow. We can't enter the game nervously. We must play with our heads and our hearts."

Kickoff is on Thursday at 8:45 pm. 

To read more about sport in Croatia, follow TCN’s dedicated page.