After the late draw against Italy, Croatia is as good as eliminated from the next round of the European Championship. A minor farewell to Luka Modric, the Croatian genius, who still scored. After the match he was heartbroken and the tears also flowed.
Modric did become ‘Man of the Match’, but that was absolutely no consolation. The photo that emerged afterwards with his trophy was described by many as “heartbreaking”. But there was a very nice moment at the press conference.
An Italian journalist took the microphone. Not to ask a question, but to pay tribute to the greatest Croatian footballer ever.
“Luka, I want to thank you for everything you have shown throughout your career,” he began. “I would like to ask you to never stop playing football, because you are one of the best players I have ever had the pleasure of commentating on.”
Modric managed to smile and said “Grazie”, before recovering for a moment. “Thank you for this beautiful tribute. I thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
“I would also like to continue playing football forever, but I fear that one day I will have to hang up my boots. But rest assured: I will continue to play for a while.”
This was a truly beautiful moment in the post-match press conference ❤️#BBCEuros #Euro2024 #CROITA pic.twitter.com/K8VowAgm7m
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) June 24, 2024
