Official: Modric decides to continue playing with Croatia national team at 41

The Croatian football federation has confirmed that Milan star Luka Modric will continue representing his national team at the age of 41, despite reports that he was due to retire after a disappointing Serie A and World Cup campaign over the last few months.

Veteran Modric will continue to represent Croatia for 2026-27 Nations League

Modric, who will turn 41 next week, before the start of the next international break, has already committed to Milan for the 2026-27 season and it has now been confirmed that he will continue representing the Croatia national team this term as well.

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – JUNE 27: Luka Modric of Croatia celebrates the team’s 2-1 victory in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group L match between Croatia and Ghana at Philadelphia Stadium on June 27, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

The Croatian FA has confirmed in a statement on Saturday that Modric will be included in Slaven Bilic’s national team squad for the September-October international break, which will be announced in full on Monday.

Modric has given his confirmation that he will be available for the entirety of Croatia’s upcoming Nations League campaign assuming that he is fit.

There had been suggestions earlier this summer that Modric could have retired after missing out on Champions League football with Milan at the end of last season, before a disappointing World Cup campaign, which ended in a round of 32 elimination by Portugal.

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – JUNE 27: of Croatia walks to take a throw in during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group L match between Croatia and Ghana at Philadelphia Stadium on June 27, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)

Soon to be 41 years of age, Modric’s marvellous career is set to continue. He is currently the third all-time appearance holder for any national team in the world with 202 caps, behind only the Lionel Messi (207), who has just announced his international retirement and Cristiano Ronaldo (233).