Luka Modric Continues to Defy Age and Expectations

Dallas. Before the semi-final clash between Croatia and England in the 2018 World Cup in Russia, it was repeatedly raised that Zlatko Dalić's aging team had played extra time in their previous two matches. 

Some sections of the English press had predicted that fatigue could be a major factor in the match at Luzhniki Stadium. 

Luka Modrić did not like this narrative at all. Returning to Moscow, he and the other thirty-something players of the Croatian team made this their source of inspiration in their country's victory. 

Immediately after Croatia defeated the 'Three Lions' 2-1 in extra time, the former Tottenham star told ITV, 'We proved that everything people, especially English journalists and television pundits, were saying was different.' 

'We were reading all these things and we were saying, okay, today we will see who gets tired. As I said, they should be more humble and respect the opponent more. They underestimated Croatia tonight and that was a big mistake.' 

This mistake is unlikely to be repeated before the World Cup 're-match' in Dallas on Wednesday, although Modrić is still captaining Croatia at the age of 40. 

• Sad Ending

We had assumed this was the last time we would see Modrić on the international stage after Croatia was eliminated from the group stage of Euro 2024, losing to a very weak Italian team. 

In the decisive match for reaching the Round of 16 at Leipzig's Red Bull Arena, Modrić gave his team the lead by converting the rebound after his own penalty was missed. However, deep disappointment was etched on Modrić's face as he went for the mandatory photo after winning the 'Player of the Match' award. Mattia Zaccagni's decisive goal in the 98th minute sent Italy to the knockout stage, while Croatia was eliminated from the tournament. 

Modrić could hardly have imagined such a happy ending to his brilliant international career. The proof of his popularity was that no one else wanted his farewell to be like this. 

• 'Never Retire!'

At the post-match press conference, Italian journalist Francesco Repice thanked midfielder Modrić on behalf of everyone present and true football fans watching around the world. He said, 'Thank you for everything you have shown in your career, not just tonight.' He also urged Modrić, 'Never retire.' 

The then 38-year-old player replied, 'I always want to play, but perhaps a time will come when I have to hang up my boots. I will continue to play for now, but I don't know for how long.' 

Interestingly, Modrić is still unsure when he will hang up his boots. Even more surprisingly, he is still performing at an incredibly high level. 

• 'Let's Clone Him!'

After 13 trophy-laden seasons at Real Madrid, Modrić moved to AC Milan last summer. He emphasized that joining the Serie A club he supported as a child was not just about fulfilling a childhood dream. He felt he could play a significant role in revitalizing the Rossoneri. He proved to be right. 

The arrival of one of the greatest midfielders of modern times generated considerable buzz in Italy, but many pundits questioned how much energy he had left. It was also argued that they didn't particularly need Modrić as Milan had just signed Samuel Ricci. 

However, Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri repeatedly preferred Modrić to the 24-year-old Italian in the starting lineup, and Ricci had no objections. Ricci, impressed by the Croatian player's humility and intense playing style, said, 'He is the strongest player I have played with.' 

The Italian press was equally surprised by Modrić's consistent excellent performance. Journalist Alberto Polverosi said, 'If he is really 40 years old, let's clone him!' 

• 'Luka is Crazy'

Modrić's energetic performance seemed to defy all scientific explanations. However, Milan legend Kaká clarified that his former Madrid teammate was simply a 40-year-old 'force of nature.' 

The Brazilian player told Gazzetta dello Sport, 'I know what his mentality is like. It's human nature to lose a little motivation when you already have everything, but Luka is crazy. He still wants to share his knowledge, he calls his teammates, he is always ready to fight. He has energy and personality.' 

'His contribution to Milan's games and training is significant. I believe his presence there is good for all of Italian football. It's great to see what he's doing in terms of his enthusiasm, leadership, and of course, his technique.' 

• Milan's Dependence on Modrić

It was not surprising that Allegri was captivated by Modrić. The relationship between the two became so strong that there was even talk of the Croatian player becoming his assistant coach the following season. 

But there was only one problem: Milan became too dependent on Modrić. As a result, when the experienced player got injured towards the end of the season, Allegri's team's performance declined. 

Due to a fractured cheekbone in the goalless (0-0) draw against Juventus on April 26, Modrić could not start any of Milan's last four matches. Milan lost three of those games, as a result of which the Rossoneri dropped from third to fifth place and missed out on Champions League football. 

• Motivated Modrić

With Allegri sacked after failing to secure a top-four finish, it is currently unclear whether Modrić will remain at Milan next season. Modrić has openly praised the club and the city. However, if he decides to hang up his boots this summer, reports have emerged that Madrid wants to bring him back to the Bernabéu with some responsibility. 

For now, Modrić remains silent about his future. But it is almost certain that this will be his last major tournament with Croatia at this stage. Therefore, playing in the World Cup with a protective mask is certainly not ideal. It can be particularly uncomfortable to play in such a challenging situation. 

However, Modrić has continued his career, proving people wrong. He recently said, 'I never cared what others said, it only motivated me more.' 

So, who would dare underestimate Modrić at the age of 40, wearing a mask? The English media certainly won't. They have already paid the price. 

Goal.com