Croatia legend Luka Modric will decide his international future after the World Cup.
Modric has played over 150 games for his country and this World Cup is his ninth major tournament. The 37-year-old, however, remains a key part of the Croatia team and he will be hoping to fire them past Brazil in the quarter-finals on Friday.
Many have speculated this could be Modric’s last major tournament, with the midfielder focusing on playing for Real Madrid, but he has not made a decision yet.
“I am not focused so much on the future,” Modric said. “I will see how long I can play for the national team and I am 100 per cent focused on what’s ahead of us at the World Cup. We will have time to reflect on the future.”
Croatia head coach Zlatko Dalic wants Modric to stay on and believes he can keeping going on performing for his country.
“I will repeat again, whatever I say about Luka Modric, it will not be enough,” he said.
“I have said everything I can, I hope he stays healthy. I am sure this is not his last competition that he will play for Croatia, that he will be part of this team for years to come.
“His fitness, professionalism and attitude gives us the right to think that way. He is a very important part of our team.”
Croatia have made a steady start to this World Cup, remaining unbeaten and finishing second in Group F behind Morocco before edging Japan on penalties in the last-16.
“If you take a look at the fact that among the 16 countries that have qualified for the next round, Croatia has by far the smallest population,” said Dalic.
“We are a small country but we dream big. We want to win, we are here, we will try and do our best, that is our dream. Nevertheless we are taking it step by step, we have to be patient and believe in that.”
