Modric Confirms Croatia Availability for Nations League
Modric Confirms Croatia Availability for Nations League
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Key Points
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Modrić made his senior Croatia debut in March 2006, shortly before Slaven Bilić first became the team’s manager; Bilić is now returning to work with him after 14 years.
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Modrić won the Golden Ball as the 2018 World Cup’s best player after leading Croatia to the final, where they lost to France.
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His international record also includes Croatia’s run to the Euro 2008 quarter-finals, following the team’s famous victory that kept Steve McClaren’s England out of the tournament.
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Modrić has made two appearances for AC Milan at the start of the new season but has not yet recorded a goal or assist.
Luka Modrić will continue his international career with Croatia, the 40-year-old captain confirmed, making himself available for upcoming UEFA Nations League matches against Czechia, Spain, and England. Sporting Tribune reported that Modrić had been expected to retire after Croatia's World Cup elimination by Portugal but has decided to extend his tenure that now spans 202 caps since his senior debut in March 2006.
Coach Slaven Bilić welcomed the decision, saying Modrić remains valuable both on and off the field as Croatia seeks to stay among the world's top teams. France24 noted that the Nations League campaign begins September 24, reuniting Bilić with Modrić after 14 years apart.
A Legacy Built on Two World Cup Runs
Modrić's international career has included remarkable achievements. He won the Golden Ball as the 2018 World Cup's best player after leading Croatia to the final in Russia, where they fell to France. Newsy Today highlighted that four years later, Modrić helped Croatia finish third at the 2022 tournament in Qatar.
Beyond World Cups, Modrić guided Croatia to the Euro 2008 quarter-finals, part of a run that included the team's famous victory keeping Steve McClaren's England out of the tournament. His consistency at the highest level has made him one of Europe's most durable midfielders.
From Real Madrid to AC Milan at 40
Modrić recently moved to AC Milan after spending 18 years at Real Madrid, where he established himself as one of soccer's greatest midfielders. RFI reported that the 41-year-old has made two appearances for his new club at the start of the season but has not yet scored or assisted.
His decision to continue internationally comes despite the physical demands of club football at his age. Bilić's confidence in Modrić suggests the coach views him as essential to Croatia's midfield organization and leadership on the pitch.
Croatia's Push to Remain a Top-Ten Nation
Croatia has established itself as a consistent force in international football. The Nations League campaign will test whether Modrić and Bilić can sustain that level against strong opposition in Czechia, Spain, and England. Sporting Tribune noted that Modrić's presence provides tactical stability and mentorship to younger players.
At 40, Modrić continues to defy age expectations. His availability for the remainder of his international career signals Croatia's ambition to compete at the highest levels and gives the team a proven winner leading by example through September and beyond.
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