Luka Modric was not happy with a reporter’s question (Picture: YouTube)
Luka Modric stormed out of an interview following Croatia’s 2-2 draw with Albania after being asked a controversial question about himself and his nation’s other elder statesmen.
Croatia were on the verge of securing a vital three points in Group B on Wednesday before Klaus Gjasula’s injury-time goal rescued a point for Albania.
The draw leaves Croatia in a precarious position and needing to beat defending champions Italy in their final game to stand a chance of progressing to the knockout stages.
Understandably frustrated with the result, Modric was irked further after the game, leaving an interview early after a particular question from a Spanish journalist.
The Real Madrid midfielder gave a puzzled look when asked if Croatia’s younger players should come into the side for their final group game against Italy.
‘Come on, let’s go,’ the 38-year-old said before turning and walking out.
Competing in his fifth Euros and ninth major championship, Modric has been a stalwart in the Croatian side that has punched above their weight in a number of recent championships.
Luka Modric is playing in his ninth major international tournament (Picture: Getty)
However, the midfielder, who has fallen down the pecking order at Real this season, is one of several star players who could be playing in their last Euros.
Mateo Kovacic and Marcelo Brozovic – Modric’s partners in the midfield three – are both also over the age of 30, while 35-year-old Ivan Perisic continues to operate at full-back.
Prior to leaving reporters, Modric insisted that his side would play with no fear in their crunch game against Italy on Monday.
‘We have no choice; we must beat Italy, and we can only make it if we play like against Albania in the second half,’ he said.
‘It will be tough against Italy, they are a well-organised team with an excellent coach. We’ve known since the beginning that the final game would be decisive.
‘We’ll play with no fear. If we do what we know, we can face any opponent confidently.’
For more stories like this, check our sport page.
Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.