Modric Called Up for Croatia Euro 2024 Squad

Croatia National Football team coach Zlatko Dalic announced, Monday, the preliminary 26-man squad for Euro 2024, including Real Madrid star, the country's national hero, and captain Luka Modric.

This tournament could be his last major one before retirement from international football.

The 38-year-old Real Madrid midfielder, who possibly to depart by the end of the season, led Croatia to capturing the second-place at the 2018 World Cup, and third place at the 2022 World Cup.

Moreover, he led the national team to the final of the National League final.

Dalic told reporters: "He (Modric) can hardly wait to play for Croatia and be our leader."

Croatia's coach said he was "aware of great expectations" from the championship in Germany.

However, he explained: "But there are still many national teams that have a great chance to fight for something at the Euro."

Croatia play Spain in their opening Group B match on June 15 before facing Albania and current European champions Italy.

"There is no pressure. I just want us to enjoy football, for Croatia to be good again, and for the fans to be happy and proud", Dalic said.

"We raised the bar too high, we won three medals in the past five years ... Croatia always showed that they are the best when it's the toughest. We will try not to disappoint".