Real Madrid News
Real Madrid veteran will continue playing international football until UEFA Euro 2024
Following Croatia’s defeat to Spain in the UEFA Nations League final this past Sunday, there have been a lot of speculations surrounding the international future of Real Madrid legend Luka Modric.
At 37 years old, the Croatia captain continues to be their best player and was head and shoulders above the rest in the semi-finals and the finals of the Nations League earlier this month, but could not guide his team to the elusive glory.
Given that he still plays regularly at a high level at Real Madrid, there have been concerns about him suffering from burnout if he continues playing with the national team.
But, according to an exclusive report from 24Sata in Croatia, Modric has decided to continue playing international football until the UEFA Euro 2024 next summer in Germany.
Following the defeat to Spain on Sunday night, the 37-year-old midfielder had spoken out about his international future, but had refused to give much away, saying:
“My future with the national team? I have decided my future, I am clear about it but I’m not going to say it today.”
Given the fitness levels he has maintained and the way he continues to perform on the field, it does not come as a surprise that Modric wishes to keep on representing his national team until the European Championships next year.
The midfielder has come agonisingly close to winning a trophy with the Vatreni, but has failed to win one yet.
Indeed, Modric led Croatia to the runners-up spot in the 2018 FIFA World Cup, a third-place finish in the 2022 FIFA World Cup and another second-place run in the UEFA Nations League this year.
The 37-year-old Real Madrid legend will hope to break that hoodoo and go all the way in the Euros next year and call time on his international career by leading Croatia to a much-deserved trophy.
Real Madrid News
Bellingham on his special assist in Girona 0-3 Real Madrid: “Been watching Luka every day”
Real Madrid usurped the top spot in the La Liga standings from arch-rivals FC Barcelona as they defeated Girona 3-0 away at Estadi Montilivi.
It was a fine performance from Carlo Ancelotti’s men against Michel’s side, with the returning Jude Bellingham leading the way for his team.
After being benched against Las Palmas in midweek, the England international returned to the starting XI today and turned in yet another Man of the Match display for Real Madrid.
It all started with Joselu opening the scoring just 15 minutes into the game, with Bellingham assisting the goal with a special, outside-of-the-boot pass from the left side, bringing back memories of Luka Modric doing something similar a few years ago.
Talking about that special pass, Bellingham said: “I’ve been watching Luka every day for months. I just want to be creative. It took the pressure off us at the start.”
On the match and the result, the 20-year-old stated that it was a good day across the board for Real Madrid, as he said: “It was an important win. They were doing very well. We made a statement of intent to La Liga. Three goals, a clean sheet….”
It has been a truly remarkable start to life at Real Madrid for Bellingham and expressing how he feels to play for the Merengues, he exclaimed:
“I feel very good. I have freedom of movement and I’m enjoying football. Whenever I put on this shirt I always try to do my best.”
Apart from assisting Joselu’s opener, Bellingham also got his name on the scoresheet in the second period. Talking about his goal, the wonderkid said:
“It wasn’t a very good finish. I could have scored some more, but the important thing is the victory.”
The strike meant that Bellingham now has seven goals and two assists across all competitions for Real Madrid. Reflecting on his brilliant start, he said:
“It’s a good start, not bad. I would like to continue on this path and I won’t always score or assist, but I will always give my best.”
Bellingham’s celebration has been a huge hit, with kids in school, players from other clubs, and many others mimicking it. When asked how his special celebration originated, he replied:
“I don’t know where I first celebrated. I think it was with Birmingham. It’s an inspiration to see kids doing it in schools. It’s a wonderful thing.”
Source: AS
