At the 2018 World Cup in Russia, thirty-three-year-old Luka Modric led Croatia to the final, where they lost to France 4-2, heartbreakingly.
Four years later, they came back for more. Thirty-seven-year-old Modric ran tirelessly across the pitch, drawing against Morocco, Japan, Belgium, and Brazil before reaching the semi-finals once again.
What if Croatia had a world-class striker?
What if someone had stood by Modric?
As the Croatian Rhapsody plays, I dedicate this story to the world's best Luka Modric: you are a miracle in your own right.
Highlight:
I got into football during the 2022 World Cup. I'll post this on the day Modric retires (or the day Croatia wins the World Cup, crossed out). I'm currently researching and building up a stock of chapters. Thanks for adding it to your collection.
Tips:
1. The protagonist is half Chinese and half Croatian. Early on, he helps Wenger win the Champions League at Arsenal. Later, he transfers to Real Madrid and helps Croatia win the World Cup. He's a free-roaming forward and spends a decade leading the Ballon d'Or race alongside Messi and Ronaldo.
2. The protagonist is the pursuer, and Modric is the CP. They're each other's first love and pursue each other in equal measure.
3. This is an alternate universe. Please don't conflate it with real people. There will be wins and losses, and the matches are based on real ones.
4. A dream-fulfillment story I wrote for myself. Revised again on February 5, 2023, as shown in the screenshot.
Theme: May the world treat you gently.
