Croatia captain's beautiful gesture for disabled fan

Croatia captain Luka Modric has shown his true class off the football pitch with a beautiful gesture for a disabled fan back in his homeland.

The World Cup runners-up were greeted by an estimated half-a-million fans on the streets of Zagreb upon their return from Russia.

Having punched above their weight and exceeded most experts’ expectations, the Croatian squad was understandably given a heroes’ welcome but the celebrations were extra special for one lucky supporter.

According to CBSsports, Modric was told their was one particular young supporter with Down Syndrome who was desperate to get a high-five with his hero and nation’s captain.

However, the Real Madrid star went one better – inviting the youngster up on stage to share a special moment with the whole squad.

Footage from the function shows the Golden Ball winner pluck the boy from the crowd and pull him on stage, before throwing an arm around him in a wonderful embrace.

The smile on the fan’s face said it all as he savoured the wonderful moment with the superstar.

Despite coming up short in the final against France, it was the most successful World Cup ever for Croatia, who won three games from three in the group stage – including a brilliant 3-0 triumph over Argentina.

Penalty shoot-out victories over Denmark and Russia followed in the last 16 and quarter-finals, respectively, before a 2-1 win against England in extra-time saw them reach their first ever World Cup final.