Vietnamese coach wants to sign Luka Modric

By Dong Huyen July 23, 2024 | 09:51 pm PT

Luka Modric extends his contract with Real Madrid in 2022. Photo by AFP

Hoang Anh Tuan, former U23 Vietnam coach and newly appointed manager of V. League club Becamex Binh Duong, said he wants Croatian football legend Luka Modric as the new signing.

"I want to bring the best players to Binh Duong. But it depends on the club, the contract and the player. I don't usually talk about things I don't have yet, but I have many on my wishlist. Right now, I want to bring Luka Modric here, even though he is 40 years old," Tuan said. Besides his class, this deal will bring benefits to Vietnamese football.

"Hai Phong FC used to sign the famous Brazilian striker Denilson, why can't Binh Duong do the same? The presence of these superstars will help promote the football culture, for better development."

Tuan, 56, has been coaching since 2007. He has rich experience in youth football, having coached the U17, U20 and U23 teams of Vietnam. He helped the U19 team reach the U19 Asian Cup semis in 2016 and qualify for the 2017 U20 FIFA World Cup.

Coach Hoang Anh Tuan during a training session with Becamex Binh Duong on July 23, 2024. Photo by VnExpress/Dong Huyen

Under his lead, Vietnam defeated Indonesia in the final to win the 2023 U23 AFF Cup held in Thailand.

Modric, the new captain of Real Madrid, is regarded as one of the greatest midfielders of all time and the best Croatian footballer ever.

With Madrid, he has won 26 major trophies, including six Champions League and four La Liga titles, making him the most decorated player in the club’s history.

He’s the only Croatian player so far to win the Ballon d’Or, in 2018.