Modric plans to play for Croatia past 41st birthday

Croatia's captain Luka Modric, turning 41 this week, has announced his intention to continue representing his country in international football. The Croatian Football Association (FA) has confirmed that Modric will play for the national team in upcoming Nations League matches, including games against England. This decision aligns with the return of Slaven Bilic as Croatia's manager, who helped develop Modric's international career during his first tenure as manager between 2006 and 2012.

Modric made his debut for the national side in March 2006, shortly after Bilic's appointment as Croatia's manager for the first time. Since then, he has amassed an impressive 202 appearances for Croatia. Initially, Modric had planned to retire after the 2018 World Cup, following Croatia's elimination by Portugal in the round of 16.

However, his decision to continue playing has brought a smile to Bilic's face, acknowledging the value Modric brings to the team both on and off the pitch. Bilic, who previously managed Croatia when they thwarted England's qualification for the 2008 European Championships, expressed his enthusiasm about working with Modric again, emphasizing their shared ambition to maintain Croatia as a top-performing football nation.

Modric, currently playing for AC Milan, achieved the Golden Ball award at the 2018 World Cup in Russia, leading Croatia to their final, which they lost to France. Additionally, he was part of the squad that finished third in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Modric's contributions were pivotal in Croatia's successful run in the 2008 Euro qualifiers, including a memorable moment at Wembley during Steve McLaren's team's qualification bid.

Following his recent announcement, Croatia's next international fixtures include matches against the Czech Republic and Spain in the Nations League, followed by a home game against England on October 3 and a return match at Wembley on November 12.