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Luka Modrić expected to stay with Croatia and lead the team in the Nations League

From Večernji List · () Croatian

Translated from Croatian and summarized by DistantNews. Read the original for the full story.

At a glance

News Named sources New plan
  • Luka Modrić is expected to continue playing for Croatia in the next Nations League cycle, with a possible role in upcoming European Championship qualifying matches.
  • Coach Slaven Bilić reportedly wants Modrić to stay and sees his experience, authority and leadership as central to his plans for Euro 2028.

Luka Modrić appears set to remain with Croatia, meaning his 41st birthday will not mark the end of his story with the national team. The captain is reportedly not ready to say a definitive goodbye to the famous checkered shirt.

A source close to the national team confirmed that Modrić is expected to lead Croatia in its next Nations League challenges under Slaven Bilić, and possibly in the coming European Championship qualifiers as well. The decision has taken shape over recent months, although Modrić has apparently remained closer to continuing than retiring.

Bilić has argued from the start of his tenure that the captain should stay. The two men share a connection dating back to the beginning of Modrić’s senior career. Bilić wants to build toward success at the 2028 European Championship, and Modrić’s presence would allow him to develop the team around an established leader rather than pursue an abrupt generational overhaul.

I am very happy in Milan. From the first day, the club and the fans treated me incredibly well. The city is beautiful, different from Madrid, but I am enjoying it here. Milan was my childhood team, the club I admired. I never imagined life would bring me here, but football writes incredible stories.

· Luka ModrićModrić discussed his life at Milan in a recent interview with Spanish media.

The coach has said selection will depend solely on quality, not age. That approach leaves the door open to Modrić, whose authority in the dressing room has helped shape Croatia’s values over the years. His motivation remains strong, and he has repeatedly said he will play as long as he feels well and can help the team. An occasional role would not satisfy him. If he stays, the article says, he will do so as a player who still believes he can be a decisive figure on the field and the leader around whom the team is built.

Modrić recently said he is happy at Milan, describing the club as his childhood team and praising the welcome from its supporters. He also said football is not a job for him, but something he loves.

For me, football is not a job, but something I love.

· Luka ModrićHe described the motivation behind his continuing career.
About this summary

Originally published by Večernji List in Croatian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized automatically by DistantNews, with a note on how the source frames the story. Not individually reviewed before publishing. How this works.

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