Euro 2024: Luka Modric cools retirement talk after Croatia’s ‘cruel’ draw with Italy – ‘I’ll keep playing on’

Croatia had been heading into the spherical of 16 as Group B runners-up as they defended a 1-0 lead towards Italy.

Modric had scored Croatia’s aim within the fifty fifth minute however was then substituted 10 minutes from full-time, which means he may solely watch on in horror as Mattia Zaccagni scored a late equaliser.

The consequence meant Italy moved up into second place, with Croatia’s two factors unlikely to be sufficient for development as considered one of 4 finest third-placed groups.

At 38, Modric turned the oldest goalscorer in European Championship historical past when he netted towards Italy, and regardless of rumours he could retire after the event, insisted he could be persevering with.

“I might wish to hold enjoying perpetually however there’ll in all probability be a time I am going to have to hold up my boots,” Modric, who was named participant of the match, stated. “I am going to hold enjoying on, I do not know for a way for much longer.”

The Actual Madrid midfielder additionally described the consequence towards Italy as “unfair”, evaluating the heartbreak to Croatia’s quarter-final defeat to Turkey at Euro 2008. Modric’s crew had taken the lead late in further time, however conceded an equaliser after which misplaced on penalties.

“We saved battling proper till the tip however sadly soccer was cruel with us tonight,” stated Modric. “It was merciless… however that is half and parcel of soccer.

“It is onerous while you lose like this to seek out the phrases to explain how you’re feeling.

“Maybe it is unfair as a result of all of us actually fought for Croatia proper from the primary whistle till the final. We needs to be pleased with the way in which we represented our nation tonight.”

Modric added: “It is onerous to really to outdo the Turkey sport from 2008 however this sport in all probability runs it fairly shut. It is definitely a tragic day for us and the Croatian nationwide crew.”

To stay within the event, Croatia want England to beat Slovenia 3-0 or by 4 objectives, and for Denmark to safe a win over Serbia.