"I have gone through a lot of difficult things in my life, the most important thing is not to give up"

Captain and picture in which Croatia looks like, Luka Modric has never doubted his talent despite his complex life story in a country that left the war when he was a kid and where he died. first considered to be too small to play football.

Now he's in the World Cup final.

"I have experienced many difficult things in my life, the most important thing is to never give up, trust me and keep fighting." "There are obstacles, ups and downs, but you have to believe in yourself and fight for success, that was my motivation," he added. Real Madrid footballer, 32 years old.

It has not been easy, however, for this elegant 1.72m midfielder to gain prominence in the competitive elite of world football. Considered too small at the beginning, few thought when he was a child refugee from the war in the Balkans that would eventually lead to Croatia in its first World Cup final.

"I have nothing to answer to those who thought that, myself for what others said, I always thought that I could get to where I am today and , thanks to God, I came, "he says with his usual serious tone

" You do not have to be a giant to play football. "They were not a burden for me, but a motivation, "he recalled.

That certainly did not hurt him. After winning four Champions League with Real Madrid and won the admiration of football's the planet, is 24 hours to play a historic final for this young nation of only 27 years of independent life.

So many are asking that the first gold ball finish the monopoly of Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

"I have already said many times that I am focused on the success of my team, it is very much to be named in this context, but I'm not doing it for that, "he said.

– Surprise –

Although arrived splashed by the corruption scandal that shook Croatian football – and for which he faces a charge of false testimony – and having After missing a penalty kick against Denmark in the second round, Modric's magic made him the undisputed leader in the revelation of Cup selection.

Therefore, it will be he who will say the last words to his teammates before the most important match of his

"I will tell you what you feel at that moment, I did not not yet thought about it and I will not write a speech (…) We have to put our emotions aside to give even more on the ground as it is the World Cup final ", has -he declares.

Still supported by his coach, Modric also highlighted the excellent work of Zlatko Dalic who, in just nine months, became virtually unknown and took the lead of the Croatian selection, leaving her one step away from the trophy .

"We are in the final of the World Cup, it is the influence of our coach in all that happened, our qualification for the World Cup was uncertain and in the most important match, in the first, he told us to regain confidence at home, we were still good players, despite the crisis we were going through, "he recalls the last decisive match of the European qualifying during which they won the repechage ticket.

After this incredible journey, Dalic only wants his players to go out and enjoy a final that nobody expected.

"I'm not going to not put pressure on my players, go out and play your best football, do not be intimidated. It's the best time of our lives, some have already won the Champions League, but it's the best match for them and for all Croats, "he said.

Whatever It happens, Sunday will be a historic day for this small Balkan country.

"We can only be happy that, despite the crisis, the Croats have left the problems a bit, win or lose tomorrow, there will be an earthquake in Croatia, I hope that there will be four million people in the streets and we will be able to Brazil and Argentina at festive levels ", launches the technician in smiling.