Real Madrid star Luka Modric says that swapping shirts with his idol Francesco Totti was a ‘unique moment’ and believes former Inter midfielder Mateo Kovacic could be his heir with the Croatia national team.
The 2018 Ballon d’Or winner released an interview while attending the launch of Sporteningin Madrid.
The 36-year-old had words of praise for Roma legend Francesco Totti who he met several times during his career.
“He was one of my favourite foreign footballers,” Modric said, as quoted by Marca.
“I loved his style and playing against him was impressive. For me, swapping shirts and chatting with him for a little while was something unique.”
Milan legend Zvonimir Boban is also among Modric’s idols. Just like Modric, Boban is regarded as one of the best Croatian footballers of all time.
“To me, he is the No.1 thanks to a generation that achieved something huge during the 1998 World Cup. Those players have been idols for all those Croatian kids grown watching football back in the days,” the Real Madrid midfielder said.
“He is the No. 1 and it’s always great to talk to him.”
Modric sees his Real Madrid contract expire at the end of the season but is close to extending his stay at the club under Carlo Ancelotti by signing a new deal. The veteran midfielder isn’t yet considering retiring but has already clear ideas about who could replace him at Croatia in the future.
“I think Mateo Kovacic could be my heir, at least he is the player with the most talent,” Modric admitted.
“He has played in important clubs such as Inter and Real Madrid. He is at Chelsea now and is doing really well. He is one of the possible successors. Surely he can lead Croatia in the future.”
Kovacic spent three seasons at Inter before joining Real Madrid in a €38m deal in 2015. He signed for Chelsea three years later for €45m.
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"𝗖𝗮𝗺𝗯𝗶𝗮𝗿 𝗹𝗮 𝗰𝗮𝗺𝗶𝘀𝗲𝘁𝗮 𝗰𝗼𝗻 𝗲́𝗹 𝗳𝘂𝗲 𝘂́𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗼" 👕🥰 https://t.co/yDjekJF8wY
— MARCA (@marca) February 8, 2022
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