Luka Modric left in TEARS after standing ovation for becoming Croatia’s all-time appearance maker

Luka Modric left in TEARS after being given standing ovation by team-mates for becoming Croatia’s all-time appearance maker… with Real Madrid midfielder given commemorative shirt for record match against Cyprus

  • Luka Modric reached a record 135 caps in a World Cup qualifier against Cyprus
  • The Real Madrid midfielder, 35, played 90 minutes in a 1-0 victory on Saturday
  • Modric, captain of the national side since 2016, overtook Darijo Srna on 134

Croatia midfielder Luka Modric showed his emotion after a touching tribute from his international team-mates after breaking the country’s international caps record.

The 35-year-old reached his 135th cap, surpassing former captain Darijo Srna, after playing the full 90 minutes in a 1-0 win against Cyprus in a World Cup qualifier on Saturday.

The diminutive midfielder was presented with a commemorative shirt, a video including his career highlights and messages from the seven other ‘100 club’ members, as well as a cake.

Luka Modric (centre) was left in tears after a heartfelt tribute from international team-mates

The 35-year-old midfielder broke his country's record for the most appearances with 135 caps

The 35-year-old midfielder broke his country’s record for the most appearances with 135 caps

Modric was presented with a commemorative shirt and cake after passing Darijo Srna on 134

Modric was presented with a commemorative shirt and cake after passing Darijo Srna on 134

Croatia’s 100-cap club

135 – Luka Modric

134 – Darijo Srna

114 – Stipe Pletikosa

106 – Ivan Rakitic

105 – Josip Simunic

104 – Ivica Olic

103 – Vedran Ćorluka

100 – Dario Simic

And the Real Madrid player was left in tears following a sustained standing ovation from the rest of the international squad.

In a storied and glittering 15-year international career, Modric has played under six managers and in six major competitions and won the World Cup Golden Ball award for the best player at the tournament after losing against France in the 2018 Final.

He was also awarded the Ballon d’Or and the Best FIFA Men’s Player in 2018 and has won a record nine Croation Footballer of the Year awards between 2007 and 2020 since his international debut against Argentina in 2006.

Modric has been skipper of the national side since September 2016, and became the then-sixth player to reach a century of caps against Finland the following year.

Despite his age, he remains a key player for Zinedine Zidane’s Real Madrid side, and has made 36 appearances in all competitions this season.

Sportsmail reported last week that Modric says he feels 27 and looks like he could carry on playing for years due to his professionalism, fiercely competitive nature and top physical condition.

Real Madrid directors have stated Modric, along with Sergio Ramos, Marcelo and Cristiano Ronaldo, were key to the Spanish giants’ four Champions League titles in five seasons between 2014 and 2018. 

Although his contract is running down, he has agreed a deal in principle to keep him at the Bernabeu for a while longer, and he is still showing no signs of slowing down at international level either. 

Next up Los Blancos host Eibar in LaLiga on April 3 before the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final against Liverpool on April 6.

His contract is running down but he has a deal in principle to stay with Madrid for another year

His contract is running down but he has a deal in principle to stay with Madrid for another year