16 hours ago
4
Luka Modric will probably make the 2026 World Cup his last. At 40 years old, it would be an understandable decision from the AC Milan midfielder.
Most probably did not expect to see Modric make the 2026 World Cup, after all, players normally hang up their boots in their mid-30s. Even if that age is getting slightly later now, pushing 40 is seen as an extreme.
For Modric, though, he is blossoming all over again. In Italy, his class does not seem to have dropped, even as his age rises. On an international stage, he is still just as prominent, which you would expect, whilst maintaining an elite European level.
Modric’s goal
The goal for this year is to win trophies, but there is also a desire to reach the World Cup, which was a reason behind his move to Milan. At this rate, he will be there again, but it is dependent on Croatia’s qualifiers this week.
He spoke to the press ahead of the game against the Czech Republic, and MilanPress relay his words.
I have no particular advice for the coach, just the hope that he can remember his hundredth game with pleasure.
“We all want to give him a great gift by bringing home a significant result. I remember that my hundredth was against Finland, and I hope we can celebrate his milestone tomorrow with a great performance.
“One hundred games is something extraordinary, especially for a coach: patience is a rare commodity in football today, and this number speaks volumes about the value and consistency of his work.
“The coach will tell us what to do. We have to build on what we did well in that match and repeat it, even if it will be a completely different game. Every match has its own story, and they, in front of their home crowd, will be even stronger.
“We’re facing a tough duel against an aggressive team. We’ll need to give it our all, be united and determined, because tomorrow—essentially—we’re playing for the World Cup.”
English (US) ·