Luka Modric has decided to continue playing for Croatia, ending speculation that the AC Milan midfielder could soon retire from international football. The veteran, who will turn 41 on 9 September, has no plans to bring his long career with the Croatian national team to a close.
Reports earlier in the summer suggested Modric was considering “hanging up his boots” at international level. However, those claims now appear to have been dismissed, with Madrid Xtra reporting, citing RTL, that the midfielder has chosen to remain available for Croatia.
The decision follows Modric’s choice to extend his club career with AC Milan. In July, he renewed his contract with the Rossoneri for a further year, meaning he will continue playing in both domestic and international football despite the retirement rumours that emerged earlier in the summer.
Modric has been a central figure for Croatia since making his international debut in 2006. In the years since, he has established himself as one of the defining players in the country’s history and has continued to represent the national side well into the later stages of his career.
The midfielder has made 202 appearances for Croatia, scoring 29 goals and providing 32 assists. His decision to carry on gives the national team the continued presence of one of its most experienced and recognisable players.
Modric’s international career has run alongside a long and distinguished club career, including his time with Real Madrid before moving to AC Milan. The source article describes him as a former Real Madrid player, while his current club status is with the Rossoneri.
Although reports of a possible retirement surfaced at the beginning of the summer, there is now no indication that Modric intends to end his involvement with Croatia. Instead, he is set to continue adding to his international record after already reaching the milestone of 202 appearances.
His next birthday will underline the remarkable longevity of his career: Modric celebrates his 41st birthday on 9 September. Despite approaching that landmark, the midfielder has opted to remain part of the Croatian national team rather than step away from international football.
For Croatia, the decision means Modric’s experience and leadership will remain available. For Modric himself, it represents a continuation of a national-team career that began in 2006 and has so far produced 202 matches, 29 goals and 32 assists.
The latest reports therefore provide a clear answer to the uncertainty surrounding his future. Modric is not planning to retire from Croatia, and his international career will continue while he also prepares for another season with AC Milan.
