Luka Modric will continue to play for Croatia. About to turn 41, the AC Milan midfielder was named by Slaven Bilic to the roster for the upcoming Nations League matches.
Modric’s inclusion extends an international career that now totals 202 appearances for the Croatian national team, during which he has been a key figure in his country’s greatest soccer successes.
Luka Modric’s inclusion was never in doubt
Bilic announced the roster on Monday and highlighted the experienced midfielder’s importance both on and off the field.
“He’s very important to us on and off the field. Modric was Milan’s best player against Juventus. And I didn’t have to persuade him at all—he’s fully committed to Croatia and its national team, and that benefits everyone,” the coach said.
The coach is embarking on his second stint at the helm of Croatia. Bilic previously led the national team from 2006 to 2012. He explained that before finalizing the roster, he had a “two- or three-hour” conversation with Modric. From there, the captain’s commitment to the national team became clear.
However, the coach made it clear that the midfielder will not necessarily play in all four matches. His participation will be adjusted to a schedule similar to the one he maintains with AC Milan.
Luka Modric was one of Croatia’s standout players in their runner-up finish at the 2018 World Cup in Russia and their third-place finish at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. He was also part of the team that finished as runner-up in the Nations League in 2023, after losing the final to Spain.
A new era for Croatia
For this new phase, Bilic presented a 26-player roster and decided to retain a core of experienced players, though he also made room for new faces.
Among those called up is Dominik Livakovic, Barcelona’s new goalkeeper. Bilic acknowledged his concern about the goalkeeper’s lack of playing time at his new club, though he is confident Livakovic will see action.
“He has nothing to prove. No Croatian goalkeeper has ever gone to such a big club,” the coach said.
With Modric still a key player and a mix of experience and new additions, Bilic is clear about the goal. Croatia wants to win the European Championship.
The coach also noted that the results achieved by his predecessor, Zlatko Dalic, serve as motivation. This recent era will be a benchmark for the new era, which he is approaching with “optimism.”
Who will Croatia play in the upcoming international break?
Croatia has a demanding schedule ahead. The team will visit the Czech Republic in Prague on September 26 before facing Spain on the 29th. Croatia will then host England on October 3, and close out against Spain on the 6th of the same month.
