{
  "id": 5783102,
  "title": "Modric available to play for Croatia in Nations League",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/05/modric-available-to-play-for-croatia-in-nations-league",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-05T14:35:51.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Channel News Asia",
    "slug": "channel-news-asia",
    "url": "https://www.channelnewsasia.com/sport/modric-available-play-croatia-in-nations-league-6364826"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "On September 5, the Croatian football association announced that Luka Modric remains eligible to represent his country, dispelling rumors he would retire from international football following the World Cup. Veteran Modric, who will turn 41 this week, first captained Croatia in 2006, collecting over 200 appearances and guiding them to the 2018 World Cup final.\n\nCroatia manager Slaven Bilic expressed delight at Modric's decision, recognizing the midfielder's immense value both domestically and internationally. Born in Duga Resa, Modric spent his prime years at Real Madrid before moving to AC Milan last year. As Croatia prepares for an intense Nations League schedule featuring fixtures against the Czech Republic, England, and Spain, Modric's continued availability bolsters the team's prospects.",
  "summary": null,
  "key_points": [
    "Luka Modric still eligible to play for Croatia.",
    "Veteran Modric will turn 41 in September.",
    "Croatia faces Czech Republic, England, and Spain in Nations League."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}