There’s nothing quite as heartwarming and cheerful in football as old teammates and friends linking up. Former Real Madrid teammates Cristiano Ronaldo and Luka Modric shared a moment on the pitch following Portugal’s friendly game to Croatia. Cameras captured the two legends hold each other in a warm embrace as they linked up after several seasons.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Luka Modric last played together in 2018, following which the former made his move to Italy to play for Juventus. The two have shared several iconic moments together on the pitch, starting from their 4 Champions League wins to multiple La Ligas and domestic accolades. Ronaldo however, was on the wrong side of things as Croatia put two past Portugal in a 2-1 victory.
Fans couldn’t help but wonder all the iconic moments and magnificent goals the two shared between each other.
Legends of the game reunited
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) June 8, 2024
Cristiano Ronaldo and Luka Modric shared a special moment after Portugal v Croatia pic.twitter.com/O68AV7ZFjH
Ronaldo currently plays for Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr while Luka Modric opted to extend with Real Madrid for another season. As of now, the Croatian is the most decorated player of all time in the club’s long history.
With the Euros just around the corner, teams are engaged in last minute preparations to field their best starting XI. Portugal were up against World Cup finalists and 2018 semi-finalists Croatia in a friendly ahead of the tournament. Despite boasting several big names like Ronaldo, Bernardo Silva and Bruno Fernandes , Croatia ended up winning the match thanks to goals from Luka Modric and Ante Budimir.
Visitors Croatia took the lead early on as Modric confidently dispatched his shot from the penalty spot. The referee immediately pinned to the spot after a late challenge from Vitinha sent Mateo Kovacic tumbling down to the ground. The 38-year-old paid no attention to Diogo Costa as he fired in his shot low and hard into the bottom left corner.
The 25th goal for Croatia!#Modrić #Croatia #EURO2024 pic.twitter.com/MTAT7oJ7sT
— Croatian Football (@CroatiaFooty) June 8, 2024
Diogo Jota pulled one back for the hosts after he tapped in an exquisite pass from Nelson Semedo , even though it was into an empty net. Just when the hosts thought they had done enough to secure a draw, along came Ante Budimir to head home from point blank range after a shot from outside the box fell conveniently in front of him.
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