Sheikh Sultan And Luka Modrić Discuss Football's Future At Ramadan Majlis

In a notable gathering at Al Majaz Amphitheatre, H.H. Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah and Chairman of Sharjah Media Council, graced the first session of the 13th Ramadan Majlis on Monday. The event, organized by the Sharjah Press Club (SPC) of the Sharjah Government Media Bureau, featured a sports session titled "Football Skills... Foundation and Development", with Luka Modrić, the esteemed Real Madrid midfielder and captain of the Croatia national team, as the speaker. The session was adeptly moderated by journalist Ahmed Sultan.

The discussion delved into various aspects of football, including player talent, continuity in stadiums, competition, and development levels. Modrić shared insights from his extensive experience on the field, revealing the secrets behind his exceptional performance. He commenced by expressing gratitude for the opportunity to discuss his journey in football, a sport that has been central to his life and achievements.

Modrić emphasized that while talent is crucial for entering the world of football, self-confidence, belief in one’s abilities, and relentless hard work are indispensable for achieving success. He highlighted football as a collective, continuous, and evolving game that demands constant effort to maintain excellence and achieve personal goals.

Reflecting on his successful career, Modrić attributed his achievements to a deep love for football, innate talent, high physical fitness, continuous learning, resilience in facing challenges, and a supportive environment. This environment includes family support, mentorship from seasoned players, and positive relationships with peers.

The Croatian star also discussed his pride in winning numerous titles with both his clubs and the national team. He credited these accomplishments to dedication, supporting young talents, enjoying the game, constantly improving skills, and adapting to high-pressure situations.

Offering advice to UAE national football team players, Modrić stressed the importance of self-belief, hard work, national pride, and providing opportunities for young talents through professional training programs. He shared how such approaches have led Croatian players to be recognized and signed by major European clubs.

On the topic of player stability and transfers between clubs, Modrić noted that maintaining high performance levels and fulfilling assigned roles are key to succeeding with a team and potentially moving to more prestigious clubs.

He also shared his personal journey from Croatia to Spain and then to Tottenham in England as a unique experience that contributed significantly to his career.

The session concluded with Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed bin Sultan Al Qasimi honouring Luka Modrić for his contributions to football. The event was attended by Tariq Saeed Allay, Director General of the Sharjah Government Media Bureau; Alia Bu Ghanem Al Suwaidi, Director of SGMB; along with numerous athletes, media figures, and a large audience.

With inputs from WAM