Modric is aiming to end hurt of 2018
LUKA MODRIC insists he’s not motivated by the desire to finish off his own trophy collection with a World Cup – he just wants to end the agony of four years ago.
The Croatia captain has a glittering collection of silverware that includes five Champions Leagues and three La Liga crowns.
The Real Madrid ace came agonisingly close to adding the big gold trophy to that when Croatia lost to France in the 2018 decider after beating England in the last four.
Now they go again with a refreshed squad but still with the former Ballon d’Or winner leading the way as they prepare to face Morocco today in their Group F opener.
He said: “I never thought about personal achievements. The team is most important.
“I never put my own personal interests in front of the interests of the team. I’d like us to play a great tournament as a team and as an individual. “What will we do and what will we win? We have great faith in our abilities. If this is the case we can expect positive outcomes at this World Cup.” Morocco are hoping the returning Hakim Ziyech can inspire them after the Chelsea attacker u-turned on a decision to retire from international football last February when he was snubbed for the AFCON squad. Morocco boss Walid Regragui said: “We need the best of Ziyech. When Hakim has this confidence he is one of the top players in the world. “I’m very happy he has come back to the team, we need him.”