Bilic's return to Croatia could convince Modric to extend international career

Luka Modric could ultimately extend his international career with Croatia. While the 40-year-old midfielder, currently without a club after his contract with AC Milan ended, was expected to head toward international retirement after the 2026 World Cup, Slaven Bilic’s return to lead the Croatian national team has changed the picture.

The Croatian Football Federation officially confirmed Bilic’s return this week. He previously managed the national team between 2006 and 2012. He succeeds Zlatko Dalic, who has been in charge for nine years and chose not to renew his contract. Bilic is a familiar figure in Croatian football, notably remembered for the elbow he received from Laurent Blanc in the 1998 World Cup semi-final, which saw him miss the third-place playoff.

It is precisely this connection with Bilic that could keep Modric. According to Spanish newspaper AS, the 2018 Ballon d’Or winner was informed of negotiations between Bilic and the Federation, and reportedly mentioned in several conversations the possibility of continuing to wear the Croatian shirt if the former defender got the job. The two men know each other well, having worked together during Bilic’s first stint.

Modric made his first international appearance in March 2006, the same period when Bilic took over the national team. Twenty years later, their shared trajectory could continue, this time around a qualification cycle for Euro 2028.

The question remains: at 40 years old, without a club and at a crossroads, will Modric have the motivation to commit to a new two-year international campaign? The answer will likely depend as much on the rest of his club career as on his relationship with the new head coach.