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      in Soccer

      Samuel Eto’o reveals Lionel Messi thanked him for career-saving advice which fixed issues as a Barcelona starlet

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      FORMER Barcelona striker Samuel Eto’o has revealed Lionel Messi thanked him for a piece of career-changing advice in his early days at the Nou Camp.The pair played together at the LaLiga giants for six years between the Argentine’s 2003 debut and Eto’o’s 2009 departure for Inter Milan.
      Samuel Eto’o helped Lionel Messi with ‘career-changing’ adviceCredit: AP:Associated Press
      And while many tipped the diminutive, fleet-footed young Messi for greatness from an early stage, Eto’o has revealed that his former team-mate felt indebted to his crucial advice.
      The 41-year-old told DAZN: “[Messi] confessed to me that, thanks to my advice, which I am not going to reveal, his career had changed.
      “One day he said: ‘Thanks to Samuel, my career changed’.
      “He had to fix two or three things but he has always had the talent.
      “I am proud and happy to see that he has written history which has yet to be finished, and it will be very difficult to beat what he has written.”
      It was a poorly kept secret of the early-noughties at La Masia that they had quite the special talent on their hands, with Eto’o admitting all of Frank Rijkaard’s first-team stars knew that Messi, now 35, would be special.
      Eto’o continued: “He was going up and down from La Masia to the first team.
      “We already knew that one day Messi was going to be what he is.
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      “I am happy because he has made it in the end, thanks to himself.
      “He showed me that nothing has changed. He is still the good person I met.”
      The pair won two Champions League titles as team-mates, with Eto’o man-of-the-match in their 2006 final triumph over Arsenal – and both getting on the scoresheet in the 2-0 victory over Manchester United in Rome three years later.
      Eto’o enjoyed more success with Inter after leaving the Nou Camp, before later representing Anzhi Makhachkala, Chelsea and Everton among others, be finally hanging up his boots in 2019.
      Messi, meanwhile, continued to go strong at Barcelona until last year – when he had to leave the grossly mismanaged club for Paris Saint-Germain.
      The duo enjoyed a wildly successful stint as team-mates before Eto’o’s 2009 Camp Nou departure More

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      in Soccer

      Jose Mourinho ignores Cristiano Ronaldo AND Lionel Messi in GOAT debate and picks Brazilian Ronaldo as the best

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      CRISTIANO RONALDO and Lionel Messi come second-best to Ronaldo Nazario in Jose Mourinho’s ranking of the best-ever footballers.The Roma boss worked with Ronaldo during his single season at Barcelona, helping Sir Bobby Robson’s side win the Copa del Rey, Cup Winners’ Cup and Supercopa de Espana.
      Mourinho (left) helped coach Ronaldo in his year at BarcelonaCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      The Spurs boss has also worked with Cristiano Ronaldo, but not MessiCredit: AFP – Getty
      Only 19 when he joined from PSV Eindhoven, the Brazilian forward wowed Mourinho as he hit 47 goals in 49 games for the Catalans – earning him the Ballon d’Or with a season tally he would never better.
      Mourinho told LiveScore, via Corriere dello Sport, that Nazario was: “The best football player that I have ever seen on a pitch.
      “I think injuries killed a career that could have been even more incredible.
      “But that talent this guy had at 19 years old was something incredible.”
      Injuries took their toll on Ronaldo while he was also known for a lavish party lifestyle.
      Knee problems first sprung up in the Netherlands before two consecutive world record transfer deals brought him to Inter Milan.
      In his third season with the Italian club, he severely ruptured cruciate ligaments in his knee and he was ruled out for effectively three years.
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      Bouncing back to fire Brazil to the 2002 World Cup, Ronaldo turned from a speedy dribbler to a deadly poacher and signed for Real Madrid, where he won his second Ballon d’Or.
      Mourinho recognises that the striker lacked the longevity of both Ronaldo and Messi, but believes he was the better natural talent.
      The 59-year-old added: “Not with a career like Cristiano or Messi, 15 years at the top – every day.
      “But a natural talent, incredible.” More

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      in Soccer

      How France hero Olivier Giroud, 36, defies his years with a strict diet and tough fitness plan to keep scoring

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      FRANCE forward Olivier Giroud continues to defy his years.The former Arsenal and Chelsea star was the match-winner against England – beating Harry Maguire to Antoine Griezmann’s header 12 minutes from time to set-up a semi-final date with Morocco.
      Olivier Giroud celebrates heading France’s winner against EnglandCredit: Getty
      Giroud shows off his buff physique on holiday in IbizaCredit: The Mega Agency
      36-year-old Giroud is in peek condition thanks to a strict exercise and diet regimeCredit: Getty
      While Giroud eats a balanced diet to stay on top of his game
      Just like the age-less Cristiano Ronaldo, the 2018 World Cup winner has given longevity to his career with a strict diet plan and tough fitness routine.
      And he eats plenty of fruit, vegetables, chicken and fish to maintain his incredible physique, while working overtime in the gym.
      YOU ARE WHAT YOU EAT
      Crucial to Giroud’s health and fitness plan is what he puts into his body.
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      The 6ft4in striker avoids processed foods, sugar and unhealthy oils – corn, canola, vegetable, and other chemically engineered cocktails.
      He chows down on a variety of breakfasts, including bagels with strawberry jam, egg white and ham omelettes, or brown toast with scrambled eggs.
      For lunch his options feature green Salad with mixed beans, salmon and rice, baked potato with tuna, or even a tuna pasta.
      At dinner, he will have fish (sometimes haddock or tuna steak) with a broccoli, or chicken with green vegetables.
      When it comes to eating, Giroud is very careful with what he puts into his body
      Giroud, on a dinner date with wife Jennifer, avoids processed foods and enjoys lean meats and fishCredit: BackGrid
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      Occasionally, he will go for a lean steak – with a mixed salad or steamed vegetables.
      And because Giroud is so incredible active, he will snack regularly during the day.
      Things he eats are dried fruit and nuts, muesli bars, popcorn and banana sandwiches.
      WORKING IT OFF
      Of course, this high-energy diet gives Giroud plenty to burn off when he works out.
      And when he’s not training with current club AC Milan at the Milanello Sports Centre, he is fully utilising his time off to stay fit with an action-packed routine.
      He reportedly allows himself just one day off – a Wednesday.
      Weekends, if he’s not playing, he will do cardio exercises and again rest.

      According to his ex-manager Thomas Tuchel, Giroud trains like a 20-year-old
      Dumbbells feature regularly in Giroud’s workoutsCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Giroud performs a burpee while training with ex-club ArsenalCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      On Mondays, he’s bench pressing, lifting dumbbells and working his abs using a plate twist.
      Tuesdays, he incorporates mountain climbers into his exercise, as well as squats and reverse grip push-ups.
      Thursday, Giroud will continue with weight exercises, including a series of routines with dumbbells, close-grip EZ-Bar curls and three sets of pull-ups of five reps.
      And for Friday, it’s burpees, a variety of squats, and plyometric lunges. The latter helps develop and improve lower body strength and power, as well as challenge dynamic stability and coordination.
      HIGH PRAISE
      Last year, Giroud showed astonishing athleticism with a stunning overhead kick against Atletico Madrid while playing for Chelsea.
      He became the oldest player to score in the knockout stages of the Champions League for the Blues at 34 years and 146 days.
      But that didn’t surprise his former manager Thomas Tuchel, who was in awe of his striker’s approach to keeping himself in shape.
      “If you see him on a daily basis, you cannot be surprised. He is totally fit, his body is in shape and his physicality is on top level,” Tuchel said in an interview back in 2021.
      “He trains like a 20-year-old, like a 24-year-old. He is a guy who has a good mixture of serious and joy in training. He is always positive and it is a big factor for the group.”
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      After a hard training session Giroud takes advantage of an ice bathCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Giroud’s incredible body defies his yearsCredit: The Mega Agency
      The overhead kick winner against Atletico Madrid in 2021 showed Giroud’s hard work has paid off and he still has his athleticismCredit: EPA
      With four goals in Qatar, Giroud has proven he is still one of the world’s leading forwards. Against Poland he broke France’s all-time scoring record held by Thierry Henry, and his goal against England was his 53rd for his country.
      You wouldn’t put it past him to add to that total against Morocco on Wednesday. More

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      in Soccer

      Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and Karim Benzema all share same diet of SEAWEED to remain in top shape

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      THE secret recipe to success for Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and Karim Benzema? Regularly eating seaweed.Despite being deep into their 30s, the global superstars are still thriving at the highest levels of the game.
      Cristiano Ronaldo is still banging the goals in aged 37Credit: AFP
      Lionel Messi, 35, is currently flying high with Paris Saint-GermainCredit: REX
      And Karim Benzema just enjoyed the best season of his career aged 34Credit: Reuters
      The trio’s success is reportedly down to them regularly eating seaweedCredit: GETTY
      The free-scoring trio, somehow, are arguably in better condition than when they were in their 20s.
      And their success on and off the pitch is reportedly down to them making seaweed a staple of their “super strict” and highly nutritious diets.
      That’s according to Spanish newspapers Marca and Mundo Deportivo, who claim the trio are regular eaters of the superfood.
      Seaweed is packed with Spirulina, which has a 70 per cent protein count and is rich in Vitamins (A, B1, B2, C, D, E and K).
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      It also contains Chlorella, which has a 60 per cent protein count that “helps slow down ageing and much more.”
      It also reportedly “accelerates metabolism and eliminates toxins from the body” at a quicker rate than it would otherwise.
      Alberto Mastromatteo, a private chef to the stars in Spain, is a big advocate of seaweed consumption.
      He said of Spirulina and Chlorella: “They contain great nutritional value.
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      “Because with a small amount you get a lot of vegetable protein, which the body synthesizes even better than animal protein.
      “I am a fervent believer in the extraordinary nutritional power of microalgae, incomparable sources of omega 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids -and other healthy lipids-, vitamins, carotenoids, antioxidants, etc.
      “That is why I usually include spirulina and chlorella in all my dishes.”
      Ronaldo, Messi and Benzema’s consumption of seaweed is clearly having the desired effect as they are still smashing it at their respective clubs.
      Ronaldo was Manchester United’s top goalscorer last season – finding the back of the net 24 times in all competitions.
      However, he has now left the club following his tell-all interview with Piers Morgan.
      Meanwhile, Messi scored 11 goals and provided a whopping 15 assists in his debut season with Paris Saint-Germain.
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      Real Madrid hitman Benzema was the most prolific of the trio – scoring an incredible 44 goals in 46 appearances in all competitions for Los Blancos.
      So maybe there is something to having a side of seaweed with each meal. More

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      in Soccer

      Former top ref Mark Clattenburg reveals worst player he’s ever refereed as he opens up on Keane, Pepe and Ferdinand

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      FORMER top referee Mark Clattenburg revealed his worst five footballers to deal with.Not surprisingly, firebrands Roy Keane and Craig Bellamy feature, but there was a shock as BT Sport pundit and former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand made the naughty list.
      Former top ref Mark Clattenburg has revealed his five worst players to deal withCredit: Getty
      The ex-Premier League official called time on his career in the professional game in 2017, after 17 years reffing when he gave his real thoughts on some of the top refs.
      Clattenburg then moved on to head refereeing in Saudi Arabia before taking up a lucrative post in China as a referee and is charge of refs in Egypt.
      Here are his worst five players to deal with during his time working in the Premier League…
      JENS LEHMANN
      “I used to find Jens Lehmann such hard work.
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      “He was always difficult because he’d always whinge about people stepping on his toes in the penalty area.
      “Centre-forwards would always try and wind him up.
      “A corner would come in and they would give him a little nudge and he’d go ballistic and push players and have arguments with referees.
      “He was always a difficult one.”RIO FERDINAND
      “I found him difficult to referee during that Fergie era because he was always trying to play mind games.
      “He tried to get under your skin, probably to get that next decision.
      “Rio was such a difficult player to referee as he was always in your face.
      “When I got older and a bit more wiser, he probably left us alone more.”
      Roy Keane and Rio Ferdinand both make Clattenburg’s naughty list
      PEPE
      “I had a run-in with Pepe in the Champions League final.
      “He was a guy who was always difficult because he’d try to frame stuff and wind attackers up to get them sent off, which is not always a great thing when you’re trying to referee a football match.”
      Clattenburg, who was pictured sticking his tongue out when Pepe rolled around, added to SunSport: “I remember coming off and everyone was talking about my tongue, they weren’t talking about my refereeing performance – which was a good thing.
      “So I thought ‘you know what, that wasn’t a bad thing to do’. But it was just a reaction – my mouth was completely dry, it was a really hot day.
      “It worked perfectly because, when you watch it back, Pepe was on the floor – and, oh my god, what a soft s***e. Rolling around.
      “So what I did was what everyone back at home watching probably thought of Pepe.”
      The ref was spotted sticking his tongue out as Pepe tried his typical anticsCredit: Reuters

      ROY KEANE
      “Roy was physical, hard and you couldn’t trust him.
      “Look at the tackle on Alf-Inge Haaland for example.
      “You never knew what he was going to do next.”
      CRAIG BELLAMY
      “The worst one – and I’ve thought it for years – was Bellamy.
      “He was just the most irritating player on the pitch – and he was irritating off it.
      “He was downright rude and it didn’t matter what you said to him.
      “I made mistakes against him but what he used to say to you, it was not acceptable.
      “People say you should have sent him off and I did – incorrectly for diving.
      “I cautioned him at Bolton for diving and it was a blatant penalty.
      “He was a guy I just didn’t really get on well with.”
      *Mark Clattenburg was speaking to Paddy Power for the Pitch Invader magazine…

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      in Boxing

      How Anthony Joshua lives a lavish life with private jets, holidays and luxury cars – without spending his huge fortune

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      ANTHONY JOSHUA’s social feeds are littered with snaps of exotic holidays on private jets, custom-made sports cars and watches worth more than £350,000.But despite being worth tens of millions and living a life of luxury, the British star is so humble that he still lives in an ex-council house with his mum – and gets everything from his luxury holidays to his clothes for free.
      Anthony Joshua doesn’t spend any of his own moneyCredit: Instagram, @anthony_joshua
      And while Joshua might be one of the few people in the country not to have to worry about the cost of his weekly supermarket shop, it seems he doesn’t even pay for his own cartons of eggs, with his sponsors paying for his meal prep as well.
      The 6ft 6in heavyweight banks all his money, only splashing out on treats for his family, not himself.
      His right-hand man and marketing manager, Freddie Cunningham, says that despite having “a lot of money,” Joshua “doesn’t live the life that he could.”
      The boxing champ dines out at a Paris hotspotCredit: Instagram
      Anthony gets his holidays for free – and his food
      Anthony Joshua is the former IBF, WBA and WBO heavyweight world championCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      “From the outside, it probably looks like he does. He’s seen in private jets, wearing expensive watches, and driving around in nice cars,” he told Business Insider.
      “But the jets are all sponsored. We’ve never paid for a private jet, or a helicopter, in our life. He gets a signature car from Land Rover.
      “He’s not spending that money. He’s accumulating money.
      “He’s living a lifestyle that probably everyone wants him to live, or see him live, but he’s doing it in a smart way. Tactful.”
      Anthony Joshua is happy living with just the basics in his Sheffield flatCredit: Instagram @Anthony Joshua
      Anthony Joshua and his mum Yeta Odusanya in their humble house
      A free £45million private jet
      AJ is sponsored by US sportswear giant Under Armour – who provide him with a private jet, as well as paying him a seven-figure salary.
      Showing the interior of the £45million black G550 ahead of his trip to the States to face Ruiz for the first time, AJ said: “These type of things aren’t ordinary, in my daily life and in many other people’s daily lives, so it’s a blessing.
      “However, my view is even though I enjoy it and the door has been opened for me, I can’t forget to open the door for people who have come with me and the people who aren’t in a position to enjoy this type of luxury.
      Anthony travels on a £45million private jet provided by one of his sponsorsCredit: Instagram, @anthony_Joshua
      “I never get too lost in the source and get carried away with these types of things.”
      The company also provide the former world heavyweight champion with his in-ring attire and training wear, including all tracksuits and trainers.
      Anthony also has free use of a helicopter, provided to him by Beats by Dre, who he’s been the face of since 2017.
      Free car when his was stolen
      As a 17-year-old, Joshua’s first car was a Vauxhall Astra, which he saved up £1,500 to buy and claimed it was a “stable, sturdy car.”
      Now, thanks to his partnership with Jaguar Land Rover – which is rumoured to be worth £790,000 a year – AJ rolls round London in his choice of a fleet of luxury wheels, including a customised white Jaguar XJR, worth £93,000.
      Anthony has a deal with Jaguar – who give him free carsCredit: Instagram, @anthony_Joshua
      His favourite motor is his personalised black Range Rover, which he says “looks very professional and sets a standard”
      Free trips to Dubai, Miami and Jamaica
      When he isn’t sparring, AJ enjoys exotic holidays with his family and friends, with his Instagram showing him recently in Dubai, Jamaica and Miami.
      Again, most of these trips are sponsored by countries and resorts who want the privilege of having the sporting icon spotted hitting their hottest tourist spots.
      Anthony Joshua takes a ride on the XLine zipline in DubaiCredit: Instagram @Anthony_Joshua
      Cunningham said: “We have a partnership with Dubai Tourism and they really like him and get his philosophy on life, his morals, everything.
      “He resonates with that territory. They want to bring boxing there. Hopefully we can do something there.”
      Anthony has even stayed at the Nobu Miami Beach Private Villa, which costs £5k per night and the Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok, where luxury villas are rented out for £4k a week.
      A free watch worth more than a house
      Anthony came from humble beginnings on a council estate in Watford.
      He now says he knows the value of the money he’s made.
      “Don’t save what is left after spending, spend what is left after saving,” was the advice he gave his Instagram followers.
      The boxing champ even gets free gym membership and meal plans
      But despite keeping his purse strings shut, he still wears jewellery and clothes worth thousands.
      He was gifted a £350,000 watch worth more than the average house, thanks to his partnership with luxury jewellers Audemars Piguet.
      Free gym, concerts and food
      In 2019, Joshua helped to open state of the art BXR gym in London’s Marylebone along with his promoter Eddie Hearn.
      Joshua said: “I spend the majority of my life in the gym, so I know what is required to make a truly great one.”
      Ahead of his first fight with Ruiz, he returned to train at his former gym, ABC Finchley, for free.
      AJ doesn’t even have to spend much on his weekly shop.
      The boxing champ is worth a whopping £35 millionCredit: Instagram, @anthony_Joshua
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      His high protein diet is funded by his deal with Bulk Powders. He’s also sponsored by Lynx and Axe, so that’s his beauty and hygiene regime sorted.
      And if he wants to treat his family and friends to a free dinner, he can flash his black card at Nando’s and get it for free. More

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      in Soccer

      Man Utd Premier League winner looks unrecognisable 15 years later as he rides a bike outside his modest home

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      THIS ex-Manchester United star and Premier League winner looks unrecognisable as he rides around on a bike outside his modest home.The footballer ditched his gelled hair and shaved face for a slick-looking beard for his ride around on two wheels.
      The former Man Utd ace was spotted out and about on a bikeCredit: SPLASH NEWS
      The footballer has a Premier League and Champions League medal to his nameCredit: SPLASH NEWS
      He was wearing shorts and leggings, and a grey beanieCredit: SPLASH NEWS
      He was snapped taking a spin outside a modest house.
      And the ex-Red Devil in question? Chris Eagles.
      Eagles joined Man Utd aged just 14 in 2000, and went on to play six times for the Red Devils.
      He also dated Hollyoaks star Jennifer Metcalfe during a stormy on-off relationship.
      When he was 15, he was called into Sir Alex Ferguson’s office for a dose of the infamous hair-dryer treatment.
      Eagles played for Manchester United from 2003 to 2008Credit: PA:Press Association
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      Speaking to Ladbrokes, he recalled the meeting with the legendary boss, saying: “I drove a car somewhere when I was 15 and Sir Alex found out about it and called me in his office. I was petrified.
      “It’s the worst experience ever because you don’t know what he’s going to do.
      “I can remember standing outside of his office, sweating, going red.
      “He used to have a folder where he used to keep his notes. It was a hard-back.
      “Every time he walked past me he used to just slap me on the head with it – all in good humour obviously.
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      “He was just a great manager, a great guy, and that’s how he got his respect.”
      The dad-of-two, who won the Premier League AND Champions League, retired from professional football in January 2020.
      He made 74 Premier League appearances, scoring seven goals.
      Eagles played most of his games in the Championship though, featuring 223 times for Bolton among others.
      His last club was Oldham Athletic, making 18 appearances for the League Two club. More

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      Croatia legend Luka Modric is an ex-refugee whose granddad was shot dead when he was just six but still became an icon

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      LUKA MODRIC has enjoyed a stunning career, including winning the Ballon d’Or title in 2018, and will lead his country out against Argentina in the semi-final of the World Cup tonight.But his upbringing could not have been tougher.
      Luka Modric endured a tough childhood
      Growing up in Zadar, Modric won accolades for his local teamCredit: Collect
      The burned-out former house Modric lived in with his grandfatherCredit: Getty – Contributor
      When the Croatia and Real Madrid superstar was just six years old, his entire existence was rocked by the shooting of his beloved granddad at the hands of militant Serbian thugs and he was forced to live life as a refugee in his war-torn homeland.
      But despite such hardship, that didn’t stop the ambitious kid from going on to become one of the best players on the planet and still, aged 37, a global superstar.
      In 2018, he was voted the best player on the planet, ending the decade of dominance of the award by Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.
      But on December 8, 1991, during Croatia’s war of independence, violent Serbian militia stormed Modrici, a small village near the Velebit mountains in northern Dalmatia and wrought terror on Croatian families who hadn’t escaped.
      One of those caught in the crossfire was Luka Modric Snr, who was walking his cattle up an abandoned street when he was cornered by a group of Serbians.
      They brutally executed him along with five other locals.
      The idea behind the barbaric act was to send a message to other Modrici residents that they must leave their town behind, but it robbed the future Real Madrid midfielder of his grandfather.
      Modrici was where Modric was raised before his family fled to ZadarCredit: Getty – Contributor
      An early football club registration card from Modric’s childhoodCredit: Collect
      Modric was just six when his granddad was murdered by Serbian militia
      Modric has gone on to great success with the Croatian national team and Real MadridCredit: AFP or licensors
      Many Croatians were forced out of their villages by Serbian forcesCredit: Ron Haviv
      It hit Luka hard.
      At the time, he was raised by Modric Snr while his parents Stipe and Radojka worked long hours in a knitwear factory to support the family financially.
      And amazing footage emerged during the 2018 World Cup of a young Luka herding goats.
      I was six years old. These were really hard times. I remember them vividly but it’s not something you want to remember or think about
      After the incident, his parents were forced to leave Modrici and they sought refuge at the Hotel Iz in the town of Zadar.
      Without any electricity or running water, the sound of grenades and bullets became a daily occurrence for little Luka and his sister Jasmina, not to mention avoiding landmines potentially buried around any corner.
      But that didn’t stop the boy from kicking a small, punctured football around the hotel car park, dreaming that one day he would be able to leave his war-torn existence behind.
      The family home Modric grew up in still stands todayCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Families were torn apart, while an estimated 140,000 lost their lives during the warCredit: Toni Hnojčik
      The town of Zadar became Modric’s home when he was forced out of ModriciCredit: AFP – Getty
      Modric went from rags-to-riches through hard work and determinationCredit: Getty – Contributor
      The Yugoslav Civil War began in 1991 and ended in 2001Credit: Romeo Ibrišević
      The town of Modrici is near Croatia’s Velebit mountainsCredit: Getty – Contributor
      It’s a rags-to-riches tale that’s testament to the five-time Champions League winner’s dedication and determination to succeed in the wake of an awful tragedy.
      Modric rarely talks about his hardship, but when he signed for Spurs back in 2008, he briefly addressed the issues that blighted his childhood.
      “When the war started we became refugees and it was a really tough time,” Modric revealed.
      “I was six years old. These were really hard times. I remember them vividly but it’s not something you want to remember or think about.
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      Croatia’s captain led his team to the final of the 2018 World Cup and now the semi-final four years laterCredit: EPA
      Modric began his footballing education at Dinamo ZagrebCredit: AFP – Getty
      As a young teen, Modric starred in midfield for Dinamo ZagrebCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Serbian military volunteers were responsible for intimidating Croatian familiesCredit: Imre Szabo
      Many children were affected by the events of the Yugoslav Civil WarCredit: Christopher Morris
      Just a stone’s throw away from Modric’s abandoned home, a sign warns of the dangers of landmines nearbyCredit: Getty – Contributor
      “We lived in a hotel for many years as we struggled financially, but I always loved football.
      “I remember my first shin pads had the Brazilian Ronaldo on them and I loved them.
      “The war made me stronger, it was a very hard time for me and my family. I don’t want to drag that with me forever, but I don’t want to forget about it either.”
      It’s that mental toughness that has served Modric well during his career.
      Family man Modric has a son called IvanoCredit: AP:Associated Press
      Modric met his wife Vanja Bosnic in 2007 at the Mamic sports agencyCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Ivan Rakitić and Luka Modric formed a terrific midfield partnership for Croatia at the 2018 World Cup, but Rakitić retired from international duty in 2020Credit: Instagram @lukamodric10
      In Croatia’s stunning run to the Russia 2018 final, he overcame missing a penalty in normal time versus Denmark in the last-16 to step up in the shootout and send his side through.
      He also took a pen in his country’s second penalty shootout win over Russia in the quarter-finals that ensured their semi-final berth.
      Fast-forward four years and faced with the same pressure situation against Brazil in Qatar, Modric calmly buried another crucial penalty.
      However, when Modric was 10 years old he was written off by a number of coaches who thought he was too frail and shy to make it in the game.
      Hajduk Split passed on him and it was only when Tomislav Basic, a coach of a team that Modric played for in Zadar, stepped in and used his contacts to get Luka a trial at Dinamo Zagreb.
      At Spurs, Luka Modric was a cult heroCredit: PA:Press Association
      In 2012, Modric moved to Real Madrid for a fee of £30mCredit: Getty – Contributor
      During his career with Real Madrid, Modric has lifted the Champions League four timesCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      From there his talent flourished, he went on to Tottenham and Real Madrid and is now a star for both club and country, as well as being one of the most respected footballers in the world.
      And his personal life couldn’t be much better either.
      He married Vanja Bosnic, who also acts as his agent, in 2010 in the Croatian capital of Zagreb. The pair first met at Mamic sports agency, where she worked.
      Modric’s former Tottenham and Croatia team-mate Vedran Corluka was the best man at their wedding.
      The couple’s first child, son Ivano, was born just three weeks after their big day.
      Since then, they have had two daughters; five-year-old Ema and Sofia, who was born in 2017.
      Vanja Bosnic poses for a snap with son Ivano and daughters Ema and Sofia
      Modric has been recognised as one of the world’s best playersCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Bosnic and Modric married in 2010 in ZagrebCredit: Instagram @lukamodric10
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      Bosnic is said to have such an influence on his life, she was deemed to be the person responsible for orchestrating his £30m move to Real Madrid.
      Modric’s remarkable rise to the top of world football was confirmed when he won the Ballon d’Or.
      No wonder his father Stipe was so emotional, saying: “I am the happiest and proudest father in the world.
      “You are my genius. I can’t find words.” More