After the match against Spain, the 41-year-old Croatian captain spoke about Ronaldo, Mourinho, and other topics in an interview with Spanish media.

Luka, today you reached the milestone of 206 appearances for Croatia. I remember your debut opponent was Messi. Looking back at these 20 years of your national team career, starting from your debut at Dinamo Zagreb, and seeing the farewell moment of your golden generation getting closer, what is on your mind? How would you summarize all of this?

Yes, my national team debut was in 2006 against Argentina. If I had to sum up how I feel in one word, it would be pride. I'm proud of everything I've done, proud of everything I've achieved with the national team and with all the clubs I've played for—especially Real Madrid. Truly, I am immensely proud and content with everything I've won, and with my performance and character in all aspects. Truly, very, very proud.

Indeed, there are fewer and fewer older players in our national team; Perisic and I are the oldest. For example, Mateo Kovacic, although people always try to put him in the veteran category, I think he still has many years ahead of him in his career; he is in his prime to continue playing. However, among the older generation of players, Perisic, myself, Kramaric, and Budimir are among the oldest. The rest of the team is very young, they have a bright future, and we hope they will inherit and continue the path we have taken.

One more thing, Luka. We talked about Messi, and we also need to talk about Ronaldo. I don't know if you are aware, but he previously left the national team and had some unpleasantness with Jorge Jesus. Today, he issued a very long statement and compared himself to Maradona and Pelé. We have never heard you say such things; you always speak of others with humility and have always shown respect for Cristiano. Do you have anything to say about Ronaldo's recent situation, or have you communicated with him?

No, I haven't spoken to him yet. It's difficult to comment on this because I don't know exactly what happened, and I haven't paid much attention to the topic because I have a lot of things to deal with here myself. But it is indeed a pity to see Ronaldo in such a situation with his national team. However, I believe they will find a solution because if he were really to leave the national team or stop playing, Ronaldo deserves a grand farewell ceremony. So I don't know exactly what happened, but I hope things will be resolved properly because Ronaldo is the greatest player in Portuguese history, and he deserves a proper and dignified end to his national team career.

Luka, what do you think of Real Madrid now? Do you still occasionally keep in touch with Mourinho?

No, I did at first. I sent him a message wishing him good luck, telling him he went to a club he deserved, because it's one of the biggest clubs in the world. Besides that, I usually keep in touch with some Real Madrid players and club staff; I always follow everything about Real Madrid. The season is long, and I think Real Madrid has an incredibly strong squad; they are fully capable of turning the current situation around because there are many matches left, and the situation can change quickly. If Real Madrid has any special quality, it is their resilient character and strong ability to recover. I always wish them good luck and hope they can turn things around, because they have all the conditions needed to do so, and I believe they definitely can.

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