Luka Modric: “There is no greater honour than wearing the Croatia jersey”

Modric spoke ahead of Croatia vs Portugal.

Real Madrid’s Luka Modric sees no greater honour than to wear his country’s colours on the pitch as Croatia faces Portugal on Monday.

A draw in that game would guarantee Croatia’s qualification for the Nations League, and Modric has been an integral part of their success in the competition so far, even at the age of 39.

When asked about the Croatian jersey, he said: “I always say that playing for the national team is a great honor and something special. Every match is something sublime for me and I always give 100%.

“You have to give your maximum. It has always been my guiding principle. You can’t help but leave everything on the pitch. There is no greater honor than wearing the Croatian jersey.”

Luka Modric has been at Real Madrid for the last 12 years, and it is unsure whether he will get an extension for another year at the club.

He was asked about whether he would ever return to play in Croatia. He said: “We’ll see, for me that’s not a topic at the moment. I’m glad for Rakitic, that he’s back, that he’s doing well. We’re in touch often. I follow Hajduk, Dinamo and all of them. Whenever I can, I watch it for fun.”

Modric would’ve hoped to face former teammate Cristiano Ronaldo on Monday, but he will not be able to, and he made his disappointment clear but was hopeful of playing him in the future.

“I’m sorry he’s not coming,” said Modric. “You always want to play against him. I hope I’ll meet him on the pitch somewhere again in the future. I hope that will happen someday.”