Modric plans to play for Croatia past 41st birthday

What the report says

Luka Modric has no immediate plans to end his international career, according to an announcement from the Croatia FA reported by BBC Sport Football. The 41-year-old midfielder wants to remain available for Croatia’s upcoming Nations League matches, including the fixtures against England. His decision comes as Slaven Bilic returns to the national team setup, nearly 14 years after his first spell as Croatia manager.

BBC Sport noted that Modric made his senior debut in 2006 and has since reached 202 appearances for Croatia, scoring 29 goals. He had been widely expected to step away from international football after the summer World Cup, where Croatia were eliminated by Portugal in the last 32. Instead, the veteran, who now plays for AC Milan, appears set to continue adding to a long international career that has included a Ballon d’Or-level peak in 2018, when he won the Golden Ball as Croatia reached the World Cup final.

Bilic said he was pleased by Modric’s choice and highlighted the value the captain brings on and off the pitch. The reunion is notable because Bilic was in charge when Modric was first breaking into the senior team. Croatia’s next Nations League matches are scheduled against the Czech Republic, Spain and England, with the England meetings likely to draw particular attention given the history between the sides.