Luka Modric has opted to stay on with Croatia after it was believed that the 41-year-old midfielder would retire from international football. The Croatia Football Federation announced that Modric would be available for national-team duty, and is set to appear in the upcoming Nations League competition, such as Croatia’s encounters with England.
The choice is Slaven Bilic’s additional experienced man to work with as head coach. Bilic, who has led the Croatian team this time around, was closely involved early in the career of Modric, when he was in charge of the national team from 2006-2012.
Modric made his senior Croatia debut in March 2006 and has since become the country’s third-most cap player. The midfielder has made 202 appearances for Croatia, and played a major role in the country’s football legacy.
His refusal to call it quits from his international career after the World Cup came after hopes he would end his international career. Croatia lost their last 32 to Portugal and there was a lot of speculation about whether Modric was still to be a part of the national team.
But the decent midfielder is determined to keep going, offering Bilic leadership and much international experience as Croatia get ready for their next campaign.
Bilic is well known to be pleased with Modric’s choice, especially as they have had much experience with the national team together. As Croatia’s most decorated and influential midfielder, Modric’s decision to stay on at 41 is another remarkable turn of events in his career and his experience may prove to be essential as the team enters a new era with Bilic.
