Luka Modrić undecided on Croatia future: will talk with Bilic and the Federation

Luka Modrić has not yet decided whether he will continue with the Croatia national team and says he will make up his mind only after speaking with the federation and the newly appointed head coach.

In a wide-ranging interview with the Spanish newspaper AS, the Croatia captain discussed his international future and revealed what needs to happen before he ends the speculation.

Match against Spain and the new coach

Croatia face Spain at the Sánchez-Pizjuán Stadium on 26 September in the Nations League, and Spanish media have expressed interest in seeing Modrić back in the Croatian shirt for that fixture.

“First I have to make a decision and talk with the people from the Federation and with the new coach who has just taken over the national team,” Modrić said. The new head coach is Slaven Bilic, a manager Modrić knows well from earlier in his career.

Modrić underlined the strength of their relationship and recounted their shared history. “Yes, yes, we have a very good relationship. My journey with the national team began with him in the under-21 squad. The first who called me to the senior national team was Zlatko Kranjčar, but after that World Cup came Slaven Bilic, who has now returned, and we spent six years together during which we did a lot of good things,” he said.

Modrić also welcomed Bilic’s return and praised the Croatian Football Federation’s decision. “It wasn't like in recent years, but we were close to great things and I think his return was a very good decision by the Federation. He was the best option,” he said.

However, a strong personal relationship with Bilic does not automatically mean Modrić will resume his international career. “As I said, first I need to talk with him and with the Federation and tell them my decision, and then we'll see if we can gather again,” he concluded.

Photo: press material from the event