41-year-old Modric Selected for Croatia Squad, Set for 203rd International Appearance

On Monday Beijing time, Croatia announced its latest national team squad, with 41-year-old Luka Modric selected. He will continue representing the national team in the UEFA Nations League.

203 appearances, second only to Ronaldo

On September 26, Croatia will face the Czech Republic away in the opening round of the Nations League A group stage. Modric will make his 203rd international appearance at the age of 41. In July this year, he extended his contract with AC Milan for one more season, continuing his club career.

In terms of international appearances, only Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo is ahead of Modric, with 233 matches. Argentina's Lionel Messi announced his international retirement a week ago, leaving his appearance tally at 207.

Coach: No need to convince him

Croatia head coach Slaven Bilic said of Modric's selection: "I don't need to convince him. He is full of passion for Croatia and the national team, so this is a win-win situation."

This Nations League group stage runs from September to November, and Croatia's group opponents also include World Cup winners Spain and England. Bilic suggested that Modric will not play in every group-stage match.

"He will play at a pace that suits him and us, similar to his pace at Milan," Bilic said. "We have to respect that, and it is the best choice for everyone."

Continuing after his fifth World Cup

AC Milan announced Modric's contract extension after he completed his fifth World Cup campaign. He started all four matches in that tournament, helped Croatia advance, and his national team appearances also surpassed 200.

The 2018 Ballon d'Or winner played 109 minutes in Croatia's round-of-32 match against Portugal. Croatia ultimately lost 1-2, and a disallowed goal made the elimination controversial.