Luka Modrić to continue with Croatia at 41

Luka Modrić will play on for Croatia at 41. The Croatian federation confirmed on Saturday that the Milan midfielder will be in Slaven Bilić's squad for the September-October Nations League fixtures against the Czech Republic, Spain and England, with the full list due on Monday.

Modrić had told Bilić and federation president Marijan Kustić that he was ready to continue his international career, ending speculation over the summer that he might retire after Milan missed out on Champions League football and Croatia went out of the World Cup in the round of 32, beaten by Portugal.

Bilić, who takes charge of Croatia again after 14 years away from the post, said the decision means a great deal to him.

"Of course, this decision from Luka makes me extremely happy. We all understand very well what he gives to the Croatia national team – both on the pitch and off it. I am looking forward to working with him again after 14 years. We both have a strong desire for Croatia to remain a strong and successful team, standing shoulder to shoulder with the best national teams in the world," said Bilić.

Modrić turns 41 next week and has already signed on for a second season at Milan, where he has scored twice since joining in August 2025. He holds the Croatia caps record with 202 appearances, and sits third on the all-time list for any national team, behind only Cristiano Ronaldo (233) and Lionel Messi, who has just retired from international football with 207.