Luka Modrić has already played his last game in the Milan jersey. Photo: Reuters
World Cup Luka Modric’s last dance?
The upcoming World Cup will, by all accounts, be Luka Modrić’s last dance.
Luka Modric could end his rich football career after the World Cup, according to Spanish and Italian media. The Spanish sports daily AS refers to Italian sources, including La Gazzetta dello Sport and journalist Nicola Schiro, who claim that the Croatian midfielder is getting closer to the decision to retire.
Milan’s failure to qualify for the Champions League was said to have had a significant impact on his decision. Playing in an elite European competition is said to be one of the key conditions for his eventual stay at the club.
A wave of change at San Siro
They looked good for a long time, and then in the finale of the championship, they destroyed everything they had built during the season with their butt. The last straw was the defeat in the last round against Cagliari, after which the red and blacks were left with no chance of qualifying for the Champions League.
The severe blow immediately triggered a wave of changes at the club. Almost the entire sports structure said goodbye, including coach Massimiliano Allegri. In such an environment, Modrić is said to be thinking more and more seriously about ending his career, even though he felt good in Milan, he had an important role in the team and the support of the fans.
Decision already before WC?
One of the best midfielders of the 21st century, who won the Ballon d’Or in 2018, entered his fifth decade in September. Nevertheless, Milan wants to keep him in the future. But as it seems, the disappointment after an unsuccessful season is (too) great. Two consecutive seasons without the Champions League would obviously be too much for a footballer of his caliber.
Modrić is expected to make a final decision soon, perhaps even before leaving across the big pond. The World Cup could thus become the last major competition in a great career.
