{
  "id": 5828288,
  "title": "Modric to continue Croatia career at 41 – Official",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/05/modric-to-continue-croatia-career-at-41-official",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-05T20:24:25.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Punch",
    "slug": "punch",
    "url": "https://punchng.com/modric-to-continue-croatia-career-at-41-official/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "AC Milan's veteran midfielder Luka Modric has agreed to remain available for Croatia's international matches, despite turning 41. The national team captain's decision to continue his international career was confirmed by Croatia's football association on Saturday. Modric, who previously retired following Croatia's World Cup campaign, could feature in upcoming Nations League matches against England, the Czech Republic, and Spain. The Croatian captain's return to international football comes with the appointment of former manager Slaven Bilic as the new head coach. Bilic expressed his happiness at Modric's decision, praising his contributions to the team on and off the pitch. Croatia's next Nations League fixtures include matches against the Czech Republic, Spain, and England, with the final fixture against England scheduled for November 12 at Wembley Stadium.",
  "summary": "Luka Modric, 41, will continue his international career with Croatia, confirmed by the football association. He’ll feature in upcoming Nations League match Read More: https://punchng.com/modric-to-continue-croatia-career-at-41-official/",
  "key_points": [
    "Luka Modric agrees to play for Croatia despite turning 41.",
    "Croatia's football association confirms Modric's international participation.",
    "Modric returns to international football under Slaven Bilic's coaching."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Punch Nigeria",
        "title": "Modric to continue Croatia career at 41 – Official",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/05/modric-to-continue-croatia-career-at-41-official-5830037",
        "published": "2026-09-05T20:34:25.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}