Luka Modric looks set to extend his 18-year international career after Croatia named him in their squad for the opening matches of this season's Nations League.
The Real Madrid midfielder, 39 next month, was rumoured to be retiring from representing his national team after Euro 2024.
Croatia head coach Zlatko Dalic has named a 24-man squad for his side’s opening match against Portugal in Lisbon on 5 September and at home to Poland three days later.
Croatia will be without Domagoj Vida and Marcelo Brozovic, who have both retired from international football.
Dalic said: "We are without two senators, Vida and Brozovic, but happy that our captain remains on board. Luka is our great strength, both on and off the field."
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Modric became the oldest player to score in European Championship history in Croatia’s 1-1 draw against Italy in their final group game at Euro 2024, a match in which he also missed a penalty.
He started in all three of Croatia’s group games as they failed to qualify for the knockout stages.
Modric, who has made 178 appearances for his country since making his debut in 2006 in a friendly against Argentina, signed a one-year contract extension with Real Madrid in July.
Meanwhile, German midfielder Ilkay Gundogan has retired from international football, the 33-year-old said today.
Gundogan, who joined Barcelona from Manchester City last year, made his debut for Germany in 2011 and scored 19 goals in 82 appearances for the national side.
He missed the 2014 World Cup triumph with a back injury.
"After a few weeks of consideration, I have come to the conclusion that it is time to end my national team career," Gundogan said on social media.
"I look back with great pride on 82 international matches for my home country - a number I could never have dreamed of when I made my debut for the senior national team in 2011."
Gundogan featured in all five games for Germany at Euro 2024 and his last international appearance came in their quarter-final defeat to eventual winners Spain.
"My highlight was definitely the huge honour of being able to lead the team as captain at our home European Championship this summer," Gundogan said.
"But even before the tournament, I felt a certain tiredness in my body and also in my head, which got me thinking. And the games at club and national level are not getting any less."
Additional reporting: Reuters
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