Luka Modric was given a shock as he turned up to a Croatia press conference expecting to be grilled by journalists via Zoom - only to find his wife, father and teammates asking the questions.
The 35-year-old Real Madrid midfielder couldn't hold back the tears when he was given a standing ovation for becoming Croatia's most capped player at the weekend. And his teammates - plus family and friends - once again surprised him on Sunday.
Modric sat down the day after Croatia's 1-0 win over Cyprus in World Cup qualifying expecting to face the press. Instead, he was asked questions by his dad Stipe and wife Vanja.
Advert
A huge grin broke out on Modric's face as the 2018 Ballon d'Or winner cottoned on to the fact that it was all a big set-up.
The player's former manager Slaven Bilic, his ex-teammates such as Niko Kranjcar and current international colleague Mateo Kovacic also got in on the act.
As you might expect, the questions were not the most hard-hitting, but Modric certainly had fun with them.
Advert
Asked by Vanja: "Of all the teammates you played with in the national team, which one is your favourite?" Modric immediately asked which of their children had put his wife up to this.
"That is perhaps the most difficult question for me today," confessed the 135 cap veteran, as he was unable to single out just one. But his wife had an even tougher follow-up: when would he stop playing?
"I see it's not easy with you!" Modric replied. "I don't know, my love. We'll see. You yourself know how much this means to me, how happy I am when I go to represent [Croatia]... You will have to be patient a little longer."
Advert
Artfully done, which we'd expect from the former Tottenham playmaker. At least his dad gave him an easier ride asking: "Tell me, my son, what is your favourite goal for the national team?"
"The one against Argentina," Modric said, referring to his rocket as Croatia shocked Argentina 3-0 in the group stage of the 2018 World Cup.
"Because of everything we did at the World Cup in Russia and because of the importance of the match.
Advert
"Of course, all the national team goals are dear to me, but this one is more special than the others."
And it seems Modric isn't quite done doing special things for this country just yet, despite his other half's desire to see a bit more of Croatia's greatest player.
Image credit: HNS/PA Images
Featured Image Credit:Topics: Croatia, Real Madrid, Luka Modric
