Europe's next great coach? How Fabregas led Como into Champions League

ZAGREB, Croatia (AP) — Luka Modrić, the renowned Croatian footballer, has been included in the national team's squad for the upcoming Nations League. Coach Slaven Bilić announced the squad on Monday, marking yet another milestone in Modrić's illustrious international career. Modrić, who will be 41 years old when Croatia takes on Czech Republic in the opening game of the tournament, will secure his 203rd cap.

Modrić has committed himself to continuing his club career with AC Milan for one more season. Cristiano Ronaldo, with 233 international appearances for Portugal, and Lionel Messi, who recently retired from international soccer for Argentina after 207 games, are the only players with more caps than Modrić. Bilić expressed his satisfaction, stating that Modrić's passion for the Croatian national team made the inclusion a positive outcome.

Croatia will face other formidable opponents in the group stage, including the World Cup winners Spain and England. Bilić indicated that Modrić's playing time would be tailored to suit both his abilities and the team's needs, mirroring his performance at AC Milan. The midfielder's contract extension with AC Milan was confirmed after his fifth World Cup appearance, where he started all four matches, leading Croatia to a 2-1 loss to Portugal in the round of 32.

Despite the controversial end to the tournament, Modrić remained on the field for an impressive 109 minutes.