Luka Modric has decided against international retirement and will be available for Croatia for their upcoming Nations League matches.
It had been widely speculated that Modric would hang up his boots for Croatia following their World Cup last-32 exit to Portugal.
In fact, some reports suggested that it would be his last involvement in football, but the 40-year-old then signed a new one-year contract with AC Milan for the 2026-27 campaign.
And he is now set to feature for Croatia in September and October, having confirmed to new coach Slaven Bilic that he will remain available.
"Of course, I am extremely happy about Luka's decision because we all know what he represents and means for Croatia on and off the field," Bilic said.
"I am especially happy that after 14 years we will be working together again and sharing a strong ambition for Croatia to be high-quality, successful and equal to the best in the world."
Modric has made 202 appearances for Croatia across his 20-year international career, also scoring 29 goals in that time.
He has served as the captain since the start of Croatia's 2018 World Cup qualifying campaign, leading the team to the final of that tournament and winning the Golden Ball.
Modric then led them to third place at the 2022 World Cup, as well as a second-place finish at the 2023 Nations League.
Croatia are set to name their squad for the upcoming Nations League games against Spain, England and Czechia on Monday, with Modric expected to be among that list.
Bilic’s first game back in charge of Croatia will be against Czechia on September 26.