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Luka Modric thanked the Croatian staff and players after being surprised by a birthday party, and spoke about his national team future.
Modric turned 40 today, and he celebrated it in the best possible way as his country beat Montenegro 4-0 in a World Cup qualifier last night. He registered an assist for the first goal, and then went on to draw a red card as an opposition player got a second yellow for fouling him.
Despite his age, Modric is still at the top of his game for club and country, even captaining the Croatian national team. After the game, the fans and then his team-mates in Zagreb paid tribute to him and threw him a small party following what was his 190th international appearance.
Modric spoke to Nova TV and Mediaset afterwards to reveal his emotions following what was no doubt a memorable and emotional night for the former Real Madrid man in Zagreb. Calciomercato.com and MilanNews relayed his comments.
Luka, how do you feel after such a big win?
“We played a great match and deservedly won. We can be satisfied; a few more goals never hurt. We’ve started well, we know what the next cycle has in store for us.
“We need to prepare, return to our clubs, and, God willing, we’ll be in good shape to resolve everything in the next cycle and qualify for the World Cup.”
A party was thrown for you…
“It was a lovely surprise. Thank you to the Federation, thank you to the fans for their support. I’m always touched by their support. It’s a special day for me, it’s my birthday, and they made it even more special.”
Tomorrow [today], you will turn 40…
“The most important thing is how you feel, and I feel very good. God willing, I’ll be healthy. I’m always available to the coach; it’s up to him to make the decision. Young players are coming through, I want to show my best, our goal is the World Cup.”
What are your emotions?
“It’s always special to play for Croatia. My mentality is to give everything for this shirt, especially because we know that against Montenegro it was our last match at the Stadion Maksimir this year. That’s why we had to give everything, live every moment to the fullest.
“We played a great match and won, which was what we wanted. We hope to put the finishing touches to the game at the next international break and qualify for the World Cup.”
How has the journey been for Croatia?
“After 2018, when we finished second at the World Cup, my generation is truly unique. Some have stayed, but it’s clear we can’t reach the same level we had at the peak of our careers, but we’re here fighting: it’s always special to play for Croatia.
“There are young players arriving who may even become stronger, but what matters is that Croatia is always there, and we have a lot of pride and a sense of belonging.”
You played alongside Sucic, but soon you will face him…
“He’s a very strong player and a good guy. We’d already played together and he had shown his qualities. It’s no coincidence that he signed for a top club like Inter. You’ll certainly get to know him better and see his talent. He can still improve.
“I enjoy playing with him and I hope he continues to improve, even though we’ll definitely face each other in the derby soon and we’ll see how he treats me (laughs). I hope he respects me and doesn’t go too fast, but for now I’m enjoying playing with him.”
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