Modric will play for Croatia at Nations League
Luka Modric has decided against international retirement and will be available for Croatia for its upcoming UEFA Nations League matches.
It had been widely speculated that Modric would hang up his boots for Croatia after its 2026 FIFA World Cup exit to Portugal in the Round of 32.
In fact, some reports suggested that it would be his last involvement in football, but the 40-year-old then signed a new one-year contract with AC Milan for the 2026-2027 campaign.
He is now set to feature for Croatia in September and October, having confirmed to new coach Slaven Bilic that he will remain available.
"Of course, I am extremely happy about Luka's decision because we all know what he represents and means for Croatia on and off the field," Bilic said.
"I am especially happy that after 14 years we will be working together again and sharing a strong ambition for Croatia to be high-quality, successful and equal to the best in the world."
Modric has made 202 appearances for Croatia across his 20-year international career, also scoring 29 goals in that time.
He has served as the captain since the start of Croatia's 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign, leading the team to the final of that tournament and winning the golden ball.
Modric then led them to third place at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, as well as a second-place finish at the 2023 UEFA Nations League.
Croatia is set to name its squad for the upcoming UEFA Nations League games against Spain, England and Czechia on Tuesday (AEST), with Modric expected to be among that list.
Bilic鈥檚 first game back in charge of Croatia will be against Czechia on 27 September (AEST).
































