“I don’t know for how much longer” - Luka Modric responds to retirement question as Croatia stare at likely Euro 2024 exit
Luka Modric opened up about his potential retirement after Croatia's disappointing draw against Italy in UEFA Euro 2024 on Monday, June 24. The result leaves them at the mercy of four other results to go their way to qualify for the Round of 16.
In a must-win Euro 2024 game, Croatia took the lead in the 55th minute. Modric first saw his penalty being saved in the 54th minute before scoring a minute later to give his side the lead. However, Italy pushed for an equalizer and incredibly found it in the eighth minute of stoppage time with the last kick of the game.
In a press conference after the game, an Italian journalist heaped praise on Luka Modric for his career and urged him to play forever, saying (via Madrid Xtra):
"Good evening Luka, I wanted to thank you for everything you've shown, not only tonight, but throughout your career. Once again, you signed off as a top-class player, scoring despite having missed a penalty. I just wanted to say this to you, I'd like to ask you to never retire because you're one of the finest player I've ever commented on, thank you."
Modric expressed his gratitude and then said:
"I’d like to keep playing forever but there probably will come a time when I have to hang up my boots. I’ll keep playing on but I don’t know for how much longer."
Luka Modric, 39, is widely considered as Croatia's greatest player of all time. He has made 178 appearances for Vatreni, registering 26 goals and 29 assists.
How can Luka Modric's Croatia qualify for Euro 2024 Round of 16?
While it's highly unlikely, Croatia can still qualify for the Euro 2024 Round of 16 as one of the four best third-placed teams of their respective groups.
Luka Modric's side finished third in Group B behind Spain and Italy respectively. They have two points after their draws against Italy and Albania and have a goal difference of -3. To qualify for the Euro 2024, Croatia need four results to go their way.
England need to beat Slovenia by at least a three-goal margin on Tuesday. Denmark need to beat Serbia or the latter need to win by a four-goal margin. Portugal need to beat Georgia and Turkiye need to beat Czechia.