At the age of six, Luka Modric's life was rocked to the core. He was made a refugee after his grandfather was shot dead by ethnic Serb rebels close to his home. It was a moment that would live with him forever.
In the coming years, he would live in a warzone and grow up to the sound of grenades exploding as conflict went on.
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He soon fled Croatia after his house was burned down but despite the troubles in his life, football was an escape for Modric.
He eventually moved into a hotel in the coastal town of Zadar, a place where war was still ongoing.
That didn't stop him from persuing his dream, though.
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A spokesman for the Kolovare Hotel, where Modric lived as a youngster, once said via The Daily Mail: "He had broken more glass on the hotel windows than what the bombs had hit. He was playing non-stop football all around the hotel halls."
Football also had its obstacles. Coaches said he was 'too weak and too shy' to play football but as we all know, his career fledged into something rather special. He has since played in the Premier League with Tottenham and enjoyed a hugely successful spell with Real Madrid, establishing himself as one of the best midfielders in world football.
On Wednesday July 12, the people who doubted him as a kid watched Luka Modric lead Croatia to their first ever World Cup final.
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It was a moment that left the 32-year-old in tears.
Modric once again pulled the strings in midfield to help his side progress in the World Cup.
It's clear that he is a class above the rest, he creates space for himself like no other. His passing is second to none and his tireless work ethic on the pitch allows others to flourish.
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And his journey to the final is just another chapter in a remarkable life. Take a bow, Luka.
Featured Image Credit:Topics: Football News, Football, Croatia, England, Luka Modric
