Real Madrid captain heaps praise on Cristiano Ronaldo ahead of Nations League showdown

Real Madrid midfielder and captain Luka Modric has admitted that he is looking forward to sharing the pitch again with former teammate Cristiano Ronaldo when they face off in an international match.

Modric will lead Croatia against Ronaldo’s Portugal in the UEFA Nations League later tonight at Estadio da Luz in Lisbon.

Leading up to the game, Modric admitted that it would be nice to see Ronaldo again, naming the Real Madrid legend as the greatest Portuguese footballer ever.

“It will be nice to see Cristiano Ronaldo again, it’s always a pleasure. I’m happy he continues with Portugal, for everything he has done and for what he means to them,” said Modric in a chat with beIN Sports.

“He’s one of the greatest players, if not the greatest player of Portugal. It will be a joy to play against him.”

About playing at the iconic Estadio da Luz, where Real Madrid won La Decima a decade ago, Modric said:

“This stadium (da Luz, Lisbon) is special. I have unforgettable memories here, one of the best nights of my career. It’s a great joy to be here again after such a long time.”

Not committing to FIFA World Cup 2026

Meanwhile, speaking at a press conference (h/t MD) last night, Modric refused to commit himself to play for Croatia in the FIFA World Cup 2026 despite reports suggesting his desire to continue until the tournament.

“That’s a long way off, we can’t plan too much in advance at my age. The initial goal is to do as well as possible in the Nations League, then we’ll see the future. I can’t confirm anything because it’s too far. I don’t know how realistic that is at my age,” he said.

However, the 38-year-old made it clear that he has no plans of stopping right away, as he stated:

“I’m still as motivated as I was at the beginning. I’m proud and happy to be here, that the coach wants me and that my teammates are happy to have me. That’s why I’m still here. I think I can still help and I’m here for whatever they need.”