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“I hope you will make his last game special”: Luka Modric’s rallying call for the Blue Tigers ahead of Sunil Chhetri’s farewell

June 6, 2024
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Source: X

Luka Modric, the Croatian midfielder who has been one of the fulcrums of the Real Madrid side that has dominated European football over the past decade, had a heartfelt message for Sunil Chhetri before India’s captain plays his farewell game on Thursday. India are set to lock horns with Kuwait on June 6 in a crucial FIFA World Cup Qualifier. Victory would secure a place in the third round of the qualifiers and also guarantee direct entry to the 2027 Asian Cup.

In a social media post shared by Igor Stimac, the Croat who has been India’s head coach for five years, Modric said, “Hi Sunil, I wish you all the best for the last game with the national team. Congratulations on your career. You are a legend of this game.”

 

The Kuwait match will be Chhetri’s 151st in India blue, in a stellar international career that goes back to 2005. Modric, a close friend of Stimac who was instrumental in Croatia’s run to the World Cup final in 2018, made his debut a year later and has been capped 174 times. He also had a message for the other India players.

“To your teammates, I hope you will make his last game special,” he said. “Good luck and win for your captain. All the best and best regards from Croatia.”

The bond between Modric and Stimac, a World Cup semi-finalist with Croatia at France ’98, is well-known. In a recent social media post, Modric was seen visiting Stimac’s place in Croatia. And just a few months earlier, Stimac and his family were spotted supporting Modric, wearing his iconic No. 10 shirt, during the last El Clásico between Real Madrid and FC Barcelona.

Modric’s message has touched the hearts of Indian football fans. Countless inspiring messages have been pouring in from fans and football greats alike, but Modric’s special tribute will have a unique place in Chhetri’s heart. As India prepare for this pivotal match, the words of one of the World Cup greats will undoubtedly inspire Chhetri and his teammates to give their all, and ensure a fitting farewell for a player who has given so much to Indian football.

Also Read: “It will never be about me”: Sunil Chhetri looks ahead to swansong, India’s biggest game in years