Croatia captain Luka Modric, a man who seems to be getting better with age, received a standing ovation from thousands of Turkish fans on Tuesday night.
The 37-year-old has been given a standing ovation many times this season. In September, much of Celtic Park stood up to applaud the Real Madrid midfielder after he dropped out of a Champions League advanced class.
And recently, many Liverpool fans showed their appreciation for Modric when he came on for Toni Kroos in the 87th minute of their 5-2 win at Anfield.
Lately it has become a habit, especially on the road. Image credits:
TikTok/eminsolgunn
And on Tuesday night, in Croatia's 2-0 win over Turkey in Euro 2024 qualifying, the 2018 Ballon d'Or winner was once again cheered by the sections of the Bursa Buyuksehir Belediye Stadium.
When he left the field to replace Lovro Majer, thousands of Turkish fans voiced their feelings.
One fan commented on the moment:
"Another standing ovation for Luka Modric. His eighth of the season. True greatness," while another wrote:
"This man is getting a standing ovation from people everywhere. He's just an eternal man."
Chelsea midfielder Mateo Kovacic's brace helped Croatia top Group D with four points from two games, but it was Modric's performance that received the biggest applause of the night.
In December, at the World Cup in Qatar, Modric received a standing ovation from around the corners of Lusail Stadium as he walked off the field in Croatia's semi-final defeat to Argentina.
Immediately after the referee raised the sign for a substitution, a large part of the fans decided to shake hands with the experienced midfielder, who looked emotional to replace Majer.
Modric, who has made 164 appearances for Croatia since his debut against Argentina in 2006, said he has "no reason to retire" after this winter's tournament.
"No, I'm not leaving the national team," he said during his time in Qatar. "I feel very fit, very good and I will stay here as long as I can. There is no reason to retire. It is my choice.
"People say I should leave and focus on club football. I disagree."
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