Modric to Keep Playing for Croatia at 41

AC Milan midfielder Luka Modric will keep playing international football for Croatia. The country’s football association confirmed this on Saturday. Modric plans to be available for the upcoming Nations League matches.

Modric, who will turn 41 on Wednesday, was expected to retire from international football after Croatia’s World Cup campaign. But the national team captain has decided to continue his international career. He might play against England later this year.

This decision comes with Slaven Bilic returning as Croatia's manager. Bilic was the coach from 2006 to 2012. He was in charge when Modric made his senior international debut in March 2006.

Modric has become Croatia’s most-capped player, making 202 appearances for his country. He played a big part in the team’s top successes. These include their run to the 2018 World Cup final and their third-place finish at the 2022 tournament.

The midfielder won the Golden Ball at the 2018 World Cup. He helped Croatia reach the final, where they lost 4-2 to France. He was also part of the team that finished third in Qatar four years later.

Bilic said, “Of course, Luka’s decision makes me extremely happy. 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, now has the chance to add to his impressive international record.

Croatia’s upcoming Nations League matches include away games against the Czech Republic on September 26 and Spain on September 29. They will also host England on October 3. The return match against England will be at Wembley on November 12.