Vitinha: I admire Modrić, but I want Croatia eliminated

Vitinha did not hide his respect for Luka Modrić, but made it clear that friendship is left out when the ball rolls at the 2026 World Cup. The Portuguese midfielder admitted his admiration for the Croatian icon, confessing that he hopes to see his rival leave the field sad after the duel against Portugal. The statement came on the eve of the crucial group stage game of the World Cup.

Vitinha, a rising figure in European football and a key player in the Quinas national team, highlighted Modrić as an absolute reference for his generation, recognizing the 38-year-old veteran's longevity and undeniable class. Despite the technical reverence, the Portuguese's focus remains strictly competitive: victory is imperative to guarantee the leadership of the group and avoid unpleasant surprises in subsequent crosses. «I really like Modrić, but I hope he leaves the game sad tomorrow», said Vitinha, summarizing the duality between professional respect and the hunger for victory that defines high performance.