Real Madrid play maker Luka Modric has been named the captain of Croatia, following the retirement of veteran Darijo Srna.
Modric was picked out by coach Ante Cacic to lead the team as preparation for the World Cup gets underway this week.
Modric would lead the team when they take on Turkey on September 5. The 30-year old was in action when Croatia played at the Euro 2016. He does not lack admirers, but he said he would prefer to end his career with his current club. The former Tottenham Hotspur player moved to the Santiago Bernabeu in 2012. He has won two Champions League titles, but was yet to win the domestic trophy.
“I am not interested in anyone but real. I am too happy at Real. Probably there are some others asking about me, but I don’t want to know, I don’t care. My mission is at Real as long as Real want me,” Modric told Sportske Novosti.
Barcelona has exerted their dominance in Spain, winning the La Liga regularly, though Atletico Madrid lifted the title in the 2013/14 season. Last term, Real Madrid finished second, a point below Barcelona. Modric said it was time they changed that, hinting at the possible priority of the team this season.
“La Liga is the only club trophy I haven’t won. Four years without it is too much for club of this level. It is time we changed that,” Modric noted.
Real Madrid have started the new campaign on a good note despite missing some key players. Barcelona are also on the top of their games, and might be set to retain the title. Coach Zinedine Zidane says his squad is talented enough to go all the way this term, hence the lack of reinforcements. Barcelona have added a few, but the season would tell.