Croatia midfielder Luka Modric wants to compete at Nations League and will ‘think about Euro 2024’

Croatia captain Luka Modric intends to keep playing for his country, at least until next summer’s Nations League final.

The UEFA tournament will be held in June next year, and Modric has not signalled his intention to definitively retire immediately after that competition. Modric even suggested that he might want to stay with his country until 2024, when the European Championships are held in Germany.

There had been speculation that 37-year-old Modric could call time on his international career after playing the third-place play-off against Morocco in Qatar on Saturday.

Modric was one of Croatia’s standout players throughout the tournament and was again impressive against Morocco, meaning his country followed up a runners-up finish in Russia in 2018 with third place this year.

The former Tottenham midfielder had been linked with a move to Inter Milan in recent years, but has stuck with Real Madrid as they have enjoyed huge success in the Champions League and in La Liga.

Speaking after the game against Morocco, he was asked if he would hold on until 2024.

“We’ll see,” he replied. “I need to go step by step, I am enjoying the national team.”

Modric started every single one of Croatia’s games, and he remains a first-team regular with his club, Real. There is no clarity on his future in Spain beyond the summer, with reports suggesting Real are hoping to replace the player, but that Modric is content to stay on with the Liga champions.

“I still feel I can perform on a high level,” he continued, when speaking to BeIN sports.

“I want to continue at least until [the] Nations League. That will give me time to think about Euro 2024.”

Croatia have a number of veterans in their side, including Spurs winger Ivan Perisic.

Croatia’s manager, Zlatko Dalic, is optimistic that younger players such as Josko Gvardiol will keep the country playing well.

“This is the last World Cup for some of my players due to their age,” Dalic said. “But we have young players in our team and there is a great hope for Croatia. We have many young players on the bench.

“The older players instil confidence in them. Croatia has nothing to fear for the future. Is this the end of an era? I believe not, we have the League of Nations and Euros in 2024. I believe Croatia has a fascinating future.”