June 13 – Luka Modric, the 37-year-old Croatian footballer, has expressed his commitment to continue playing for Croatia as long as he remains valuable to the team. His future at Real Madrid remains up in the air.
On the eve of Croatia’s Nations League semi-final against the Netherlands, the Real Madrid star declined at a news conference to discuss his situation at his club, saying: “When it’s all over, we can talk about it.”
He has played for 11 years in the Spanish capital, contributing to Madrid’s success, but at the end of his contract and with Saudi Arabia investing heavily in the sport, prompting teammate Karim Benzema to leave for Al-Ittihad, speculation has mounted over Modric’s own future at the club. The Croatian said: “Everyone chooses their own paths and they decide for themselves what is best for the future and how they want their career to develop further.”
Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic added: “Luka knows what’s best for his future. He knows his own qualities. I’ve had a really great experience in Saudi Arabia myself.”
A two-time World Cup medallist and with 150 caps for Croatia, the midfielder was repeatedly quizzed about his future at both the international and club level. While remaining tightlipped he said he was only focused on the next fixture. Modric did not rule a prolonged future with Croatia.
“I’ve said many times I enjoy playing for the national team and every time I get the chance to play for the national team that’s something that fulfils me and for as long as I feel this way and for as long as I feel that I can help there would be no reason for me not to be here.”
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