Luka Modrić gave an interview to the Croatian Football Federation to discuss the start of the World Cup, during which he also deflected questions about his future. Below are his comments as reported by La Gazzetta dello Sport.
On his future:
“I am focused exclusively on the tournament because I want to help the team in the best way possible. Croatia’s greatest strength in the most recent World Cups has always been unity, and it will have to be the same this time. We are not here just to take part or to make up the numbers. When the group is united, we can compete with anyone. We more experienced players must help the younger ones, support their development, and pass on our experience, quality, and character. The young players must feel free to show their qualities, and we must support them. A generational transition is underway, but we want to keep winning and performing well, just as we did in the last two World Cups.”
On the first match against England:
“England are the favourites to win the group. We respect everyone, but we are not afraid of anyone. Now it is up to us to prove that on the pitch. We want to make all Croatians proud.”
