Luka Modric sets the record straight on his Croatia future

The Real Madrid midfielder revealed his plans with the national team after the weekend’s World Cup third-place playoff.

Luka Modric has announced his desire to continue representing Croatia for the 2023 Nations League finals.

The 37-year-old claimed his 162nd international cap on Saturday to help Croatia beat Morocco 2-1 to secure bronze in the World Cup third-place playoff at the Khalifa International Stadium.

But while Croatia manager Zlatko Dalic has suggested Modric could play in Euro 2024, the captain is reluctant to commit to anything beyond 2023 for now.

“This 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 still think I can perform at a high level and I want to continue until at least the Nations League.

“Then after, there will be more time to think about the Euros. Now it goes step by step and continue at least until Nations League and then we will see.”

Modric and Croatia will compete with Italy, Spain, and tournament hosts the Netherlands in the final four of the Nations League in June. UEFA will hold the semi-final draw in Switzerland on January 25.