Luka Modrić expected to decide on Croatia future by Wednesday

Luka Modrić is expected to settle one of the biggest questions around Croatia’s national team by Wednesday: whether he still wants to continue his international career.

Coach Slaven Bilić is due to announce his squad on Monday, Sept. 7, for four Nations League matches: against the Czech Republic in Prague on Sept. 26, Spain in Seville on Sept. 29, England in Rijeka on Oct. 3 and Spain in Split on Oct. 6. He wants to know whether he can count on Croatia’s captain before naming the players.

Bilić and Modrić met during the summer. The coach made clear that he wanted the midfielder in the dressing room and on the pitch, while Modrić asked for time to organize his situation, including signing for Milan and beginning to play. Now that those matters have been settled, the two have agreed that Modrić’s decision will become public this week.

The report says Modrić will first inform Bilić and Croatian Football Federation president Kustić if he chooses to continue. His potential stay would not be considered a surprise, given his role at Milan and the support of Croatia’s players, who regard him as an idol, leader and unquestioned authority. Modrić has played for Croatia for 20 years, since debuting against Argentina in Basel in March 2006.