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'We Need Him': Croatia Coach Asks Luka Modric To Postpone Retirement

Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic on Monday appealed to star midfielder Luka Modric to stay amid growing speculation the captain will retire from international football. Dalic's comments came a day after Croatia lost 5-4 on penalties to Spain in the Nations League final in Rotterdam. "We need him, this is a generation that still did not complete the job," Dalic told reporters after returning to Zagreb. The Real Madrid player famously led Croatia to a second-place finish at the 2018 World Cup and third place at last year's tournament in Qatar.

Real Madrid Loan Spain Forward Joselu From Espanyol

Real Madrid confirmed the arrival of Spain striker Joselu on loan from relegated Espanyol for next season on Monday. This season Joselu finished as La Liga's third top goalscorer with 16 goals despite Espanyol's relegation, earning him a call up to the national team squad for the Nations League final four. "Real Madrid and Espanyol have agreed the loan of Joselu, who will be at the club for next season with an option to buy at the end of it," said Madrid in a statement.

Viktor Axelsen Wins Third Indonesia Open Title In A Row

Badminton world number one Viktor Axelsen clinched his third-consecutive Indonesia Open title on Sunday after triumphing over underdog Anthony Sinisuka Ginting in straight games. The Danish ace continued his dominance on the courts of capital Jakarta's Istora Senayan arena, outplaying the hometown favourite and world number two 21-14, 21-13 in a 47-minute final. Axelsen controlled the match from start to finish, never allowing Ginting to gain a foothold.