Luka Modric shares touching moment with journalist who asks him never to retire

An Italian journalist paid a moving tribute to Luka Modric after Croatia were likely knocked out of Euro 2024 by Italy in Leipzig.

The 38 year-old Croatia captain missed a penalty, but scored shortly afterwards to give Croatia the lead and they were set to qualify for the knockout phase until, with the last kick of the game, Mattia Zaccagni equalised. That put Italy through in second place in Group B on four points behind Spain, with Croatia third on two points.

The journalist said 'I wanted to thank you for everything that you've shown, not only tonight, but throughout your career. Once again, you signed off as a top class player. I'd like to ask you to never retire from your playing career because you're one of the finest players that I've ever commentated on'.

Modric thanked him for the tribute and said in reply 'right from the bottom of my heart, I thank you. I'd also 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. I don't know for how much longer, but thank you very much for your words.'

The Guardian on YouTube:

#LukaModric #Croatia #Euro2024

[Kwame_Baroown]

Turning 39 this year and still playing at top level for real madrid and croatia. Truly one of the greatest of this generation.

[tomate]

Francesco Repice, not an ordinary journalist, the official voice of Italian matches on the national Radio, one of those old school sport journalists with an unbelievable talent and vocabulary… check if u find some of his highlights as a commentator translated (for example the speech after Italy wins the euro cup)

[YNWA]

English journalist could never have such class

[Imran_Mahmoodimz]

I’ve always loved Modric. Such a gentle personality and humble demeanour ❤️

[gmxzorro]

The Italian journalist is a man of honour and respect who understands his job. Like Luka Modric, he is world class.

[Navrem]

How could anyone hate on that guy.. he is one the players that even rival fans applaud 👏

[joeljose]

I'm not crying, you are crying 🥲

[tikt]

Francesco Repice has the best recipe for politeness

[RomnysGonzalez]

Man... A world without Modric playing football.

He's my all time favorite player. Gonna miss him so much. On and off the pitch pure class

[justaman]

Watched Modric many times at the lane. What a fantastic footballer, it was an absolute privilege to watch him live.

[bronson]

Luka Modric is such a rare talent that the world of football will be all the poorer for his retirement. Not only a great player but a fine person as well.

[bboyshinny]

39 and still one of the best. Amazing!!!

[DJ_handle]

I’m a hardcore Barca fan but Luka is such a nice guy and a fine player

[baofc]

He is a great player and an even better person. What did we do to deserve Luka😢

[ravenhill_theAnglo-celt-]

Modric is not only a legend of football, but a legend of the world too.

[willbee]

One of my favourite footballers from when he was at Tottenham Hotspur. Not a Spurs fan here, but Mr Modric has class and poise seen in very few players. A class act.

[flaviosambruni]

Mr. Fantastic Francesco Repice, fabolous italian speaker. Honour and glory for Luka Modric, but to Repice, as well, for asking it him.

[VladislavM-kqyo]

This guy is amazing, as a player, as a person! A true leader who never gives up! Best of luck from 🇷🇺

[chokoon]

Modric could star as Van Gogh in a movie

[highlandgnome]

A truly amazing athlete, as others have said " one of the greatest of this generation"👍