Kearney set to play on after Irish title tilt
REAL Madrid and Croatia star Luka Modric has won the 2018 Ballon d’Or at a ceremony in Paris.
It is the first time since 2007 that the award has gone to a player other than Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi.
The prize completes a fine 12 months for Modric, who won the Champions League with his club at the end of last season and was named Best Fifa Footballer of the Year in September after helping his country reach the World Cup final in Russia, where he was awarded the Golden Ball. ROB KEARNEY has signalled his desire to continue his career beyond next year’s World Cup and says he is open to a move abroad.
The 32-year-old full-back’s contract expires at the end of the tournament in Japan and he admits he considered finishing at that point.
But he says a combination of his form, fitness and the results at Leinster and Ireland have convinced him to continue.
“I wanted to leave it until after November before I had any thoughts on it,” he said.
“I’ve made the decision now that I’m going to play after the World Cup, in some capacity.
“It wasn’t in doubt but I just didn’t want to put myself under too much pressure.
“When my body is good and I feel fresh and we’re winning it’s very hard not to really enjoy what you’re enjoying and keep wanting for more.”
Kearney is currently on an IRFU deal and remains a firstchoice option for Joe Schmidt, and is expected to wear the No.15 jersey in Japan as long as he remains injury free.