Luka Modric, 41, commits to Croatia national team for upcoming Nations League matches
Quick Look
Luka Modric, turning 41 on Wednesday, has confirmed he will continue playing for Croatia in the Nations League, including matches against England, under the returning management of Slaven Bilic, who previously coached him from 2006 to 2012.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
Luka Modric made his senior debut for Croatia in March 2006 under Slaven Bilic's first tenure as manager. He has since earned 202 caps, won the Golden Ball at the 2018 World Cup, and helped Croatia finish third in the 2022 World Cup.
Luka Modric turns 41 on Wednesday but is not ready to retire from international football just yet.
The Croatia FA has announced, external that their captain intends to continue playing for the national team in upcoming Nations League games, including against England.
His decision coincides with the return of Slaven Bilic as manager, with the former West Ham boss helping to guide Modric's fledgling international career in his first stint in charge of the Croatia side, between 2006 and 2012.
Modric earned his first senior cap in March 2006, just before Bilic was named Croatia manager for the first time, and has since gone on to make 202 appearances for his country.
He was expected to call it a day after this summer's World Cup, when Zlatko Dalic's side were knocked out in the last 32 by Portugal.
"Of course, Luka's decision makes me extremely happy," said Bilic, who was manager of Croatia when they denied Steve McLaren's England side qualification for the 2008 Euros.
"We are all aware what he brings to Croatia, both on and off the pitch.
"I'm looking forward to working with him again, after 14 years, and we both share a strong ambition to keep Croatia a top, successful team, shoulder to shoulder with the best teams in the world."
Modric, who currently plays for AC Milan, won the Golden Ball at the 2018 World Cup in Russia, when he helped Croatia reach the final, where they lost to France.
He was also part of the side that finished third in Qatar, four years later.
After playing his part in McLaren's "wally with the brolly" moment at Wembley in the 2008 Euro qualifiers, Modric helped Croatia reach the quarter-finals in Austria and Switzerland.
Croatia's next internationals are in the in the Nations League - away to Czech Republic on 26 September and Spain on 29 September.
They then host England in the competition on 3 October, with the return fixture at Wembley on 12 November.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Luka Modric will play in Croatia's Nations League matches against Czech Republic, Spain, and England.
Very likely · Within weeks
Slaven Bilic will work closely with Luka Modric to prepare Croatia for the Nations League fixtures.
Likely · Within weeks
Open Questions
- How long does Modric intend to continue playing internationally?
- What specific role will Bilic assign to Modric in the upcoming Nations League campaign?
- How will Modric's continued presence affect Croatia's preparation for future major tournaments?
