Luka Modrić’s autobiography goes to Bloomsbury Sport

Bloomsbury Sport has snapped up Croatian footballer Luka Modrić’s “remarkable” memoir, exploring how a child refugee became the holder of the most celebrated player award in world football.

Matthew Lowing, commissioning editor at Bloomsbury Sport, acquired UK and Commonwealth rights to the autobiography by Modrić, who currently holds the Ballon d’Or and Best FIFA Men’s Player titles. The deal was brokered with Diana Matulić of Corto Literary. Bloomsbury Sport will publish Luka Modrić: My Autobiography in spring 2020 in hardback format, retailing at £18.99.

Bloomsbury Sport said: “In this official autobiography by Luka Modrić, the Real Madrid and Croatian international midfielder tells his life story of turning his dreams into reality, despite all the odds. From a childhood growing up during the Yugoslav conflict through to his playing career with Dinamo Zagreb, Tottenham Hotspur and Real Madrid, this is the remarkable story of how a child refugee became a galáctico, World Cup runner-up and the holder of the most celebrated player award in world football. The book includes a foreword by Sir Alex Ferguson.”

Modrić said: “I am thrilled and honoured to become a Bloomsbury author. Their edition will hold a special place in my heart, not only because being published in English means being able to touch every corner of the world, but also because UK readers will have the opportunity to read about my years at Tottenham, which was a very important period in my life.”

Lowing added: “It is a dream come true to be publishing the autobiography of a player of Luka Modrić’s stature. The current Ballon d’Or award holder, Luka is one of the world’s most famous footballers, and he has a truly amazing story to tell. To be published on the eve of the 2020 European Championships, this promises to be a truly exceptional book.”