Luka Modric Hints At Croatia Retirement After Nations League Final Heartbreak
Luka Modric says he has already made his mind up over his international future amid speculation he could retire from Croatia duty.
The latest chance for the 37-year-old to lead his country to their first piece of major silverware came and went on Sunday night as they were beaten on penalties in the Nations League final.
Spain lifted the trophy after Dani Carvajal’s winning spot-kick, which followed Modric scoring his penalty but Unai Simon saving both Lovro Majer and Bruno Petkovic’s attempts.
Real Madrid veteran Modric will be nearing his 39th birthday at next summer’s Euros, which could be the final tournament of his career given his contract at the Bernabeu also expires in the summer of 2024.
“I have decided my future,” he told reporters.
“The choice is very clear in my mind, but I will not say or announce anything today.”
Modric has led Croatia to both the 2018 World Cup and this summer’s Nations League finals but came out with only a silver medal in both games, while the small European nation also finished third at the recent World Cup in Qatar.
They next play Latvia and Armenia in Euro 2024 qualification in September, giving the former Tottenham man at least a few weeks to announce whether or not he will continue in the team.
