Croatia’s national team coach, Zlatko Dalic, has made a heartfelt appeal to star midfielder Luka Modric, urging him to reconsider retiring from international football. Dalic’s comments came in response to mounting speculation surrounding Modric’s future following Croatia’s narrow defeat to Spain in the Nations League final in Rotterdam, where the match concluded with a tense penalty shootout ending in a 5-4 loss for Croatia.
Dalic, addressing reporters upon the team’s return to Zagreb, emphasized the importance of Modric’s presence for the unfinished aspirations of the current generation. “We need him; this is a generation that still has unfinished business,” the coach stated, highlighting Modric’s pivotal role as the team’s captain and key playmaker.
Luka Modric, who plays for Real Madrid, is renowned for his outstanding leadership and was instrumental in leading Croatia to a memorable second-place finish at the 2018 FIFA World Cup, as well as securing a commendable third-place finish at last year’s tournament in Qatar.
The Croatian national team had been vying for their first-ever major international trophy against a formidable Spanish side, a team that Modric, now 37 years old, is intimately familiar with. The defeat in the final left Modric visibly dejected, with Croatian newspapers featuring images of the crestfallen midfielder on their front pages the following day, reflecting the nation’s disappointment.
Addressing the emotional toll of the match on Modric, coach Dalic stated, “It was rather emotional for him yesterday.” Dalic further emphasized the need to give Modric time to reflect and make his decision. “Let him rest, and he will tell us what he thinks,” Dalic said, displaying his respect for Modric’s invaluable contributions to the team over the years.
Earlier reports in local media suggested that Modric had already reached a “clear decision” regarding his future in international football. However, the player opted not to elaborate on his intentions, stating, “I will not announce it today,” as he left the stadium in Rotterdam. This has left fans and the football community eagerly awaiting the formal declaration of Modric’s decision.
Since making his debut in 2006, Luka Modric has accumulated an impressive record, having represented Croatia in a total of 166 matches. His skill, vision, and technical prowess have made him a revered figure in Croatian football and earned him global recognition.
As the football world awaits Luka Modric’s final decision, Croatian supporters fervently hope that their talismanic midfielder will choose to continue his international career, inspiring the next generation of Croatian footballers and leading the team to even greater achievements in the years to come.
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