Never retire Luka Modric: Journalist’s tribute to Croatia’s star

Leipzig,UPDATED: Jun 25, 2024 17:27 IST

Croatia skipper Luka Modric was paid a heartfelt tribute by an Italian journalist, Francesco Repice, during the post-match press conference of his side’s loss to Italy on June 25 in UEFA Euro 2024, where he asked the midfielder to never retire. After Croatia were held to a disappointing 1-1 draw against Italy due to a late goal from Mattia Zaccagni, their Euro 2024 campaign faces the threat of ending in the group-stage. Since the stalemate, the speculation around Modric's retirement from international football has reached sky-high.

Although there still hasn't come any sort of confirmation from the Croatia and Real Madrid number 10, Modric's age being at the wrong bracket of 30 has been the major reason behind these speculations. Even ahead of Euro 2024, the 38-year-old was one of the biggest names, alongside the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Toni Kroos, who were most likely to have their last dance in national team colours in the tournament. After losing against Spain and drawing against Albania, the Italy draw sent Croatia to the 3rd spot in Group B, and now have very little chance of making it through to the Euro 2024 Round of 16.

In his time to ask Modric a question, Repice went ahead to heap praise on the midfielder's iconic career and ultimately ended on an emotional note.

"I just wanted to say this to you...I'd like to ask you to never retire from your playing career because you are one of the finest players I have ever commentated on. Thank you." the journalist said.

Modric then expressed his gratitude to the journalist, while foreshadowing his future in the game.

" I would also like to keep playing forever but there probably will be a time when I have to hang up my boots. I'll keep playing on, I don't know for how much longer, but thank you very much for your words," Modric replied.

After the first-half of the intense clash between Croatia and Italy went goalless, it was Modric who had initially missed a penalty in the 54th minute, only to score an on-field goal less than a minute later. Though Croatia missed the chance to topple the defending champions Italy to seal a spot in the Round of 16, Modric was given the Man of the Match award for his overall brilliance.