Luka Modrić (foto: Getty Images)
Luka Modrić is expected to make a final decision on his Croatia future after meeting national team coach Slaven Bilić on Thursday.
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Luka Modrić is approaching another defining moment in his extraordinary international career. The 41-year-old Croatia captain is expected to decide whether to continue playing for his country following a meeting with coach Slaven Bilić on Thursday.
Bilić wants Modrić to remain with the national team and has prepared a clear plan for the role he could play during Croatia's next cycle. Bilić has previously made no secret of his desire to keep the legendary midfielder, while stressing that the final decision belongs entirely to Modrić.
Despite approaching his 41st birthday, Modrić could still have an important role during the Nations League, where Croatia face major tests against the Czech Republic, Spain and England.
Thursday could bring the answer
One possibility is that Modrić informs Bilić that the time has come to end his international career. If no announcement follows Thursday's meeting, attention will immediately turn to Monday and Bilić's squad announcement.
That list should provide the clearest answer yet. If Modrić's name is included, Croatia's iconic captain will continue his remarkable international journey. If it is missing, one of the greatest chapters in Croatian football history will effectively have reached its conclusion.
Bilić has already described keeping Modrić as one of his priorities since returning for a second spell as Croatia coach. "I would like him to continue playing for the national team," Bilić said after his appointment, while making clear that the decision was Modrić's alone.
Now the waiting is almost over. After years of questions about when he might finally say goodbye, Modrić and Bilić could settle his Croatia future on Thursday.