Even though the 37-year-old admitted Qatar 2022 will be his final competition, Croatia manager Zlatko Dalic is optimistic that Luka Modric will continue playing for his country after their World Cup loss.
Following their 3-0 loss to Argentina on Tuesday night, the Croats exited the competition at the semi-final stage.
There were 22 players competing, but Luka Modric and Lionel Messi, two football greats, dominated the pregame headlines.
Unfortunately for Modric, it was his former El Clasico rival Messi who shone on the night, guiding his side into Sunday’s World Cup final against France.
Respect by all players and football fans in the planet.
World Cup finalist & semi-finalist.
Quality, leadership, pure class.
Symbol of his country.
Ballon d’Or winner.
Art in motion.
…last dance at the World Cup again as one of top players of tournament.
Luka Modrić 🎩🇭🇷 pic.twitter.com/SmoSnz1N0J
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) December 13, 2022
Will Modric Retire From International Duty?
Dalic believes it would be a ‘pity and regret for fans around the world’ if Modric decides to retire following the nation’s World Cup exit.
At 37-years-old, the Real Madrid stalwart is contemplating his future in a Croatia shirt and going into the World Cup, he admitted that Qatar would be his last international tournament.
‘I am aware that I am of a certain age and that this is my last competition in the Croatian National team,’ Modric told Fifa+.
Modric finished as a World Cup runner-up in Russia four years ago – picking up the player of the tournament award for his influential performances.
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Dalic has had his say on the legend’s future and remains hopeful. ‘He was very disappointed yesterday, the defeat and the match were hard on him,’ he said.
‘It’s logical that he feels that way [considering retirement], it was really hard for him.
‘I hope he stays in the national team. Of course, he will decide about it himself. We have a game on Saturday and we’ll talk after that. It will be difficult for me if Modric says goodbye.
‘If Luka says goodbye to the national team, it will be a pity and regret for all the fans around the world.
‘It will be difficult for me too if he decides otherwise, but the whole world respects Modric. It would be nice if he continued.’
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