Skip to main content
Gifts from The Morning Star
Modric to continue with Croatia after Nations League call-up
Croatia players celebrate a goal from their teammate Luka Modric after scoring his side's fourth goal against Netherlands during the Nations League semifinal soccer match between the Netherlands and Croatia at De Kuip stadium in Rotterdam, Netherlands, Wednesday, June 14, 2023

LUKA MODRIC looks set to extend his 18-year international career after Croatia named him in their squad for the opening matches of this season’s Nations League today.

The Real Madrid midfielder, 39 next month, was rumoured to be retiring from representing his national team after Euro 2024.

Croatia head coach Zlatko Dalic has named a 24-man squad for his side’s opening match against Portugal in Lisbon on September 5 and at home to Poland three days later.

Croatia will be without Domagoj Vida and Marcelo Brozovic, who have both retired from international football.

Dalic said: “We are without two senators, Vida and Brozovic, but happy that our captain remains on board. Luka is our great strength, both on and off the field.”

Modric became the oldest player to score in European Championship history in Croatia’s 1-1 draw against Italy in their final group game at Euro 2024.

He started in all three of Croatia’s group games as they failed to qualify for the knockout stages.

Modric, who has made 178 appearances for his country since making his debut in 2006 in a friendly against Argentina, signed a one-year contract extension with Real Madrid in July.

The 95th Anniversary Appeal
Support the Morning Star
You have reached the free limit.
Subscribe to continue reading.
Similar stories
Arsenal's Declan Rice scores their side's first goal of the
Men’s football / 9 April 2025
9 April 2025
Two goal hero Declan Rice has been praised by Gunners manager Mikel Arteta after the game of his life
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk, November 2, 2024
Men’s football / 26 November 2024
26 November 2024
Scotland's Ben Doak (left) and Croatia's Josko Gvardiol batt
Men’s Football / 14 November 2024
14 November 2024
Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates scoring against PSG during a fr
Men’s Football / 27 August 2024
27 August 2024