Bilic: Modric is the last person who would want to relax and play half-heartedly

The head coach of the Croatian national team, Slaven Bilic, commented on Luka Modric's decision to stay in the national team. The coach emphasized that the 41-year-old midfielder maintains motivation and desire to play at the highest level. "We are all very pleased that he is continuing to perform. His desire and passion to play for the national team has never been in doubt. Fame came to him in large part due to the fact that people kept asking themselves if he would play. He is the last one who would want to relax and play half-strength, either in the club or in the national team," said Bilic in an interview with Sportske Novosti. We will remind that during the 2026 World Cup, Modrić became the first player in the history of the Croatian national team who managed to cross the mark of 200 matches for it. Now he has 29 goals and 32 assists in 202 matches.