Modric named for UEFA Nations League games

Croatia captain Luka Modric has been named in his country’s 24-man squad for the opening matches of their Uefa Nations League campaign in September.

The Real Madrid captain Modric, who turns 39 next month, has made 178 appearances for the 2018 World Cup runners-up having made his debut at the age of 20 in 2006.

There was uncertainty over whether Modric would continue to play for the national side after their Euro 2024 exit.

But after team-mates Domagoj Vida and Marcelo Brozovic both announced their retirements from international football, head coach Zlatko Dalic said he was “happy that our captain remains on board”.

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“He is our great strength, both on and off the field,” the BBC quotes the coach.

Modric – who signed a one-year contract extension with Spanish champions Real Madrid in July – started all three of Croatia’s matches at the Euros.

They are in League A of the Nations League and visit Portugal on 5 September, before hosting Poland three days later.