Modric praises Inter midfielder and warns: 'The end of my career is near'
Quick summary
Luka Modric has praised an Inter Milan midfielder while acknowledging that the end of his playing career is approaching.
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Attributed to original sourceMilan star Luka Modric admits the end of his career is ‘near’ and praises his compatriot and Inter star Petar Sucic for a ‘phenomenal’ performance against Ghana at the 2026 World Cup.
Milan star Modric gave an interview to Gazzetta dello Sport on Monday, in which he also discussed his plans for the future.
Modric: ‘I try to enjoy it as much as I can’ His contract with Milan formally expires at the end of the month. The Rossoneri are reportedly open to activating a clause to extend it until 2027, but are waiting on the Croatian star’s decision.
Modric will turn 41 in September, and this will surely be his final World Cup.
“I enjoy every moment, every training session, every game,” he said.
MILAN, ITALY – MARCH 08: Luka Modric of AC Milan celebrates the victory at the end of the Serie A match between AC Milan and Inter at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on March 08, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images) “I know I’m of a certain age and that the end of my career is near. I try to enjoy it as much as I can, but it’s not easy, especially given the enormous pressure on the national team.”
Modric is the captain and leader of a Croatia national team filled with Serie A stars, including Inter midfielder Sucic.
The 22-year-old, who has just completed his first season at Inter, scored the opening goal in a 2-1 win over Ghana on Saturday, which allowed Croatia to finish as runners-up in Group L, one point below England.
“He [Sucic] put in a phenomenal performance, proving to be the present, not just the future, of the national team,” Modric said.
“Credit to him for what he’s been doing since he joined the team. May he continue like this.”
Lastly, Modric also talked about the controversial hydration breaks at the World Cup: “It’s a matter we have to examine, but I don’t feel like saying it’s a problem,” he concluded.
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What happened
Luka Modric, the experienced Real Madrid midfielder, has publicly praised an Inter Milan midfielder in a recent interview, while also reflecting on the twilight of his own career. The comments suggest Modric is aware of the finite nature of his time in professional football. The article from Football Italia highlights the mutual respect between elite midfielders across rival leagues and signals a potential transition period in Modric's career.
Chance analysis
Modric's comments are significant as they come from one of the greatest midfielders of his generation openly discussing career mortality. For Inter, being praised by a player of Modric's caliber adds prestige and could affect morale and reputation. For Real Madrid and the broader midfield market, this signals a potential transfer or retirement decision looming, which could influence squad planning.
Inter's midfielder receives a credibility boost from Modric's praise, while Real Madrid may face a transitional moment in their midfield if Modric's comments lead to retirement or departure.
Modric's remarks hint at a possible farewell season or retirement decision, which could affect Real Madrid's midfield depth and transfer strategy.