Darijo, after your illustrious playing career for Croatia, including captaining the team at World Cups, what do you expect from the national team in 2026?
"The problem is, I think many people have the same expectations as Croatian fans, very high ones. But you must understand, Croatia is a small country. We can’t expect to win a medal at every World Cup or European Championship. That kind of success doesn’t even happen to Brazil every 20 years! I put zero pressure on our national team. First, I’m proud we qualify. Second, I know we’ll fight with everyone. Any result makes me happy and proud."
What do you make of the current Croatian team under Zlatko Dalic?
"This is a very important topic. In Croatia, I feel sometimes people don’t respect Dalic enough. I must defend him; he’s the biggest coach in Croatian football history and a true legend. We must respect everything he’s done. If he was England’s manager, I believe he’d already be Sir Zlatko Dalic!
"That’s the big difference in mentality between Croatia and England. We’re too quick to criticise when things don’t go our way, but he’s constantly delivered nationally and internationally. I am so proud of him and want to thank him for everything he’s done for Croatia."
Is this current group the best Croatia can send to the World Cup?
"Of course. If things look the way they do, yes. But I don’t put pressure; we should go step by step. We’re a small country, so first we should be proud just to be at the World Cup."
What would be a success for Croatia at the 2026 World Cup?
"For us, passing the group stage is always the first step. When we pass the group, we are really dangerous. History shows that."
Let’s talk about Luka Modric. What does he represent for Croatian people?
"He’s a legend. A fantastic person, player, and friend - an example for everyone. I’ve known him for many years, and I’m proud Croatia has a player like Luka performing at this level."
Do you think the 2026 World Cup will be Luka Modric’s last dance?
"With Luka, you never know. I thought his last World Cup would be years ago, but he’s still here. He knows when the moment is right to retire; he’s a smart guy and will decide for himself."
Is there enough talent in Croatia to succeed when Modric eventually retires?
"Of course, we have amazing talents, but it will be very difficult to find another Luka Modric. That’s reality."
What did it mean to captain Croatia?
"It was a dream come true. As a child, I dreamed of playing for Hajduk Split. Then I dreamed of playing for the national team. Becoming captain was an even greater dream. I’m so happy and honoured to have worn the armband so many times."
Do you remember your first game as Croatia captain?
"Yes. I didn’t believe it, I thought Slaven Bilic would be captain. I walked into the dressing room with older players, but I wore the armband. It started my captain career. There was a lot of support from everyone; the national team is always like a family, through wins and losses."
Looking back, what are your main memories from World Cups, like Germany in 2006 and Brazil in 2014?
"In 2006, I missed a penalty, we lost to Brazil, and I scored a great free-kick against Australia. Good memories overall. In 2014, playing Brazil in the opening match, captaining Croatia, with Jennifer Lopez opening the ceremony! These are memories you can’t ask for more. For the Brazil match, there was a lot of pressure, but I feel that Brazil was not at their best then. Today, with Carlo Ancelotti, they are ready."
Croatia always seems to outperform expectations. How does this happen in such a small country?
"Expectations are always high before a tournament, but for us, the first step is always just to pass the group. Sometimes we’ve lacked luck, like at my last Euros in France, when Portugal, a third-placed team, beat us and then won the Championship. Luck is part of it, but one thing is for sure: I always feel part of the team, part of the family. That’s the Croatian mentality."
Which current Croatia players excite you the most as we look towards 2026?
"For me, the key player is one of the best defenders in the world. I also like (Petar) Sucic from Inter, he’s a new star. Of course, legends like (Ivan) Perisic and Luka, even at 36 or 37 years of age, are playing amazingly. To play alongside players like Perisic, Modric, and (Mateo) Kovacic is a privilege; all you need to do is listen, and you learn so much."
Could Croatia be the World Cup’s biggest surprise?
"Why surprise? Croatia deserves respect. We’ve been showing our quality for 10 years now. If we pass the group, anything is possible. We’re always more dangerous after that. Croatia could be a very strong and dangerous team at the World Cup."