Real Madrid and Croatian FA eye Luka Modrić's future role
Translated from Croatian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
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- Luka Modrić played his 200th match for the Croatian national football team, a milestone achieved by few players globally.
- Football experts discuss Modrić's legacy, with one calling him the greatest Croatian player and ambassador.
- Speculation arises about a potential competition between the Croatian Football Federation and Real Madrid for Modrić's future role after his playing career.
Luka Modrić recently marked his 200th appearance for the Croatian national football team in a match against Panama, a significant milestone that has sparked discussions about his future in the sport. Nenad Bjelica, a football expert, lauded Modrić as "the greatest Croatian player of all time and the greatest ambassador," highlighting his exceptional status in Croatian football history.
Luka Modrić is the greatest ambassador of Croatia. Let no one be angry, but he is the greatest Croatian player of all time and the greatest ambassador.
Bjelica emphasized that Modrić's decision to continue or end his international career rests solely with him and his family. "Luka will decide what is best for his family, and we will enjoy both his career and what he offers after it," Bjelica stated.
Luka will decide what is best for his family, and we will enjoy both his career and what he offers after it.
The conversation also touched upon the possibility of a "competition" between the Croatian Football Federation (HNS) and Real Madrid for Modrić's post-playing role. Bjelica acknowledged Modrić's legendary status at Real Madrid, suggesting that a role with either entity could be beneficial. "His family is in Madrid, Real is one of the biggest clubs, he has legendary status there. We all know what he means to Croatian football. I think if he holds a position in Real Madrid, he can do a lot for Croatian football too," Bjelica commented.
Do you think a competition is starting between the HNS and Real Madrid, who will attract him, how will they attract him?
Modrić's 200th cap places him in elite company, alongside global football icons like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. His international career, which began in 2006, includes five World Cups, leading Croatia to a silver and a bronze medal, and earning him the Golden Ball at the 2018 World Cup. He has scored 29 goals for the senior team.
His family is in Madrid, Real is one of the biggest clubs, he has legendary status there. We all know what he means to Croatian football. I think if he holds a position in Real Madrid, he can do a lot for Croatian football too.
DistantNews Editorial
Originally published by Večernji List in Croatian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.
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