A true star: Luka Modrić will remain with Croatia for the next international window

Luka Modrić will continue leading Croatia into another international window, even as the captain approaches his 41st birthday. Coach Slaven Bilić included the AC Milan midfielder in his latest squad for the Nations League matches.

Bilić announced the list at a news conference on Monday. He said Modrić's value extends beyond his performances during games and rejected the idea that he had to persuade the veteran to continue with Croatia.

“He is very important to us on and off the field. Modrić was Milan's best player against Juventus. And I did not persuade him of anything, he is devoted to Croatia and its national team, and it benefits everyone,” Bilić said.

Modrić already has 202 international appearances and has played a central role in the biggest successes in Croatian football. Bilić is beginning his second spell in charge of the national team after previously coaching Croatia from 2006 to 2012.

Croatia will play the Czech Republic in Prague on September 26, visit Spain on September 29 and host England on October 3.

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He is very important to us on and off the field. Modrić was Milan's best player against Juventus. And I did not persuade him of anything, he is devoted to Croatia and its national team, and it benefits everyone.