Luka Modric has confirmed he will carry on playing for Croatia until at least next summer’s Nations League finals.
Modric has played over 160 games for his country and it was thought Saturday’s World Cup third-place play-off, in which Croatia beat Morocco 2-1, could be his last international game.
The 37-year-old Real Madrid midfielder, who has enjoyed a brilliant World Cup in Qatar, is planning to play on for at least next summer and could even carry on until Euro 2024.
Croatia have reached the finals of the Nations League and will compete against Italy, the Netherlands and Spain for the trophy next June, with Modric set to captain the side there.
“This [World Cup bronze] medal is very important for us, for me, for Croatia as a national team, as a country,” Modric told BeIN Sports. “We confirm with this medal that Croatia is playing an important role in the world of football and we are leaving Qatar as winners.
“About my future? I don’t know if I will be [playing] until the Euros in Germany. We will see. I need to go step by step. I am enjoying the national team. I feel happy. I still think I can perform on a high level and I want to continue until at least until the Nations League.
“Then after, there will be more time to think about the Euros. Now it is go step by step and continue at least until Nations League and then we will see.”
Croatia head coach Zlatko Dalic is delighted Modric is carrying on and has backed him to keep playing for his country until Euro 2024 in Germany.
“He’s our captain, he’s our big boss. He played fantastic this tournament,” Dalic told BeIN Sports. “He’s 37 years but he played like a 20- or 25-year-old. He’s our leader. Everyone follows him.
“I’m very happy for Luka Modric, this trophy is for him. He did a fantastic job. Some people think this is the end but I think he will stay with Croatia for a long time. I hope, I hope, I hope [he will stay for Germany].”
