“Regardless of who agrees, the decision has been made” - Luka Modric addresses talk of Real Madrid having problems with him playing for Croatia

Luka Modric has stated that Real Madrid haven't caused him problems in his bid to continue with the Croatian national team. Given his age, many considered that retirement may be nigh for the 38-year-old once his Real Madrid contract expired this summer.

But unlike his former teammate Toni Kroos, who called quits on his career earlier this year, Modric penned a one-year extension with the club. He is now on a contract that expires only in the summer of 2025.

Modric also continues to be picked for the Croatian national team, for whom he boasts a staggering 179 senior caps. He played 77 minutes in his team's 2-1 UEFA Nations League Group A1 loss against Portugal on September 5.

Asked whether Real Madrid had created any problems for his continued involvement with the national team, Modric said (via @MadridXtra):

"Nothing really. Real Madrid have never caused me problems for that. I assume that a lot is written and spoken about how they're not happy and satisfied with it, but at the end of the day the most important thing is what I want and I'm the one who decides. And regardless of who agrees or disagrees, the decision has been made and I'm glad that the coach and the Federation want me to continue, and I continue because I have no reason not to continue."

It is not uncommon for clubs to want to manage the playing time of their more senior players. Modric, meanwhile, would be aware of how his role has reduced under Carlo Ancelotti in recent months, with the player starting in just half of his 46 appearances last term.

In fact, just one of Modric's five appearances across competitions this season has seen him feature in the starting XI.

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Real Madrid's Luka Modric answers question about retirement

Before the UEFA Nations League match against Portugal, Luka Modric addressed his chances of playing at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America. He didn't guarantee anything, stating that at his age, nothing is certain.

The former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder said:

"2026 World Cup? That's a long way off, we can't plan too much in advance at my age. The initial goal is to do as well as possible in the Nations League, then we'll see the future. I can't confirm anything because it's too far. I don't know how realistic that is at my age."

Modric, who made his senior international debut in March 2006, captained his team in all three of their UEFA Euro 2024 group-stage matches this summer. Croatia were eliminated after they mustered just two points, with Modric grabbing a goal in their 1-1 matchday 3 draw against Italy.

The 2018 Ballon d'Or is in his 13th season as a Real Madrid player and has registered an impressive 39 goals and 86 assists in 539 club appearances.