How Luka Modric wants to emulate Ronaldo
Suraj Radia
- 22 Sept 2022 16:11 BST
- 3 min read
Luka Modric is aiming to play for Croatia in Euro 2024, echoing the sentiment expressed by his former Real Madrid teammate Cristiano Ronaldo.
Despite perhaps being in the twilight of his career at age 37, Modric has no plans to end his international presence according to Croatia doctor Zoran Bahtijarevic, who mentioned the midfielder's plans in a 'farewell' letter to the national team.
The revelation comes just days after Ronaldo expressed a similar desire to play for Portugal for at least another two years, at which point both he and Modric will be around 39-years-old.
Speaking after Bahtijarevic's announcement, Modric insisted he had yet to make a decision, telling the media: "“The doctor was very emotional in his farewell speech to the national team, I will not take that into account. But I haven't made any final decision yet.
“Currently there are many more important things, the Nations League where we can go to the Final Four and the World Cup. Then I will see how it goes and make a decision in agreement with my people, the coach and the Federation. Now I'm not thinking that far."
Modric's 152 caps places him 33rd in the list of the most international appearances by any male player and in the top ten of those playing for UEFA-based countries.
Ronaldo has the third-most caps of any player with 189, just 20 away from record-holder Soh Chin Ann, who made 219 appearances for Malaysia between 1969 and 1984.
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Modric aiming to continue with Croatia and Real Madrid
Modric is out of contract with Real Madrid next summer and will make a decision on his future towards the end of the season depending on his conditioning and ability.
Real and Modric are relaxed about the situation, with both parties mutually interested in extending their relationship, thus making an agreement relatively straight forward.
Luka Modric (37) becomes the oldest outfield player to play in the Champions League for Real Madrid since Ferenc Puskas in 1965 🍷 pic.twitter.com/voHoL4Mnnm
— GOAL (@goal) September 14, 2022
Madrid are also hoping for Modric to be involved with the club's hierarchy once he finishes his playing career, with the former Tottenham man recently admitting that being at Real is 'a dream that I don't want to wake up from yet.'
Modric played 45 games in all competitions last season to lead Real Madrid to La Liga and Champions League success and he has featured in all of his side's matches this season, highlighting just how important he is to Los Blancos despite his age.
