LUKA MODRIC
Two years ago, Luka Modric was crowned the world’s best player – the first man since 2007 to prise the Ballon d Or away from Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.
He has won the European Cup four times with Real Madrid, and captained Croatia to a first ever World Cup final.
But first, the future midfielder had to overcome a harrowing childhood.
As an innocent youngster herding goats around the Croatian mountains, Modric developed a close relationship with his grandfather, Luka, from whom he takes his name. In his new book, he reveals that he was just six years old when war arrived and his grandfather (right) was murdered by Serbs roaming in the area. Young Luka and his family fled to a refugee camp, while his father went to join the army.
Despite those dark moments, Modric emerged to become one of the finest footballers of his generation. Now, at the age of 35, he’s ready to reflect on a career in the game that has brought happiness and pride to his family.
He’s not done yet, either. Could he follow Gareth Bale back to Spurs before his playing days are over? It was one of the many questions readers posed...
Who were your footballing heroes as a youngster?
Greg Morter, via Facebook
My heroes were Zvonimir Boban – the Croatia captain and legendary player of Milan – and Francesco Totti. I loved Totti’s style of play, his character, his stature, and what he represented in football. I also liked Boban because of his style, and because of what he went on to achieve with Croatia, soon after we became an independent country. I remember cheering on Croatia, and him especially. He was my idol.
Did the tough childhood you endured in a time of crisis for Croatia help you to remain grounded?
Daniel Herlihy, via Instagram
We went through a very difficult time, and everything that happened helps you to keep both feet on the ground whenever you achieve something, and not to get too carried away or do silly things. I’ve got the same character – the values that my parents gave me. They taught me to be modest; to respect elders; to respect others. That was me, and after all the things that happened, I’ve tried to stay the
