They may have suffered defeat at the hands of France at the weekend, but the 23-man Croatia squad were welcomed with open arms by approximately 500,000 fans as they touched down in Zagreb, receiving a heroes welcome on their return.
The fact that 12 percent of Croatia's entire population turned out to the ceremony is something else and the likes of Luka Modric, who received the Golden Ball shortly after the final whistle on Sunday, deservedly lapped up the applause.
Advert
Modric in particular has gone through so much on his journey to the World Cup final and in another typically unselfish act, he did something heartwarming as he stood on stage.
According to CBSsports, the Real Madrid midfielder was told that a boy with down syndrome wanted to high-five him because he was his favourite player.
Instead, Modric brought the boy on stage with the whole team and had his arm around him throughout the ceremony - an act that young boy will never, ever forget.
Advert
Now that is what you call a role model, kids. Footage shows the 32-year-old embracing the boy as thousands of Croatia fans looked on.
Take a bow, Luka - you really are a true gentlemen of the game.
Featured Image Credit:Topics: Football News, Football, Croatia, World Cup, Real Madrid, Luka Modric
