Luka Modric Addresses Retirement Plans After Croatia Suffer Late Disappointment Against Italy

• Luka Modric looked extremely dejected after Croatia's draw disappointing with Italy in their final group game of Euro 2024
• The Croatian captain made history in the game as he became the oldest person to score a goal in the tournament
• The 38-year-old has signed a contract extension with Real Madrid and will remain at the side for the 2024/25 season

Is Luka Modric’s footballing career close to coming to an end?

Following Croatia’s heartbreaking draw against Italy in their final group game, questions have been raised about whether the veteran midfielder would be hanging up his boots.

After the game, Modric answered the question about his retirement, saying that he wished he could play forever but knew that wasn’t possible.

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Bittersweet moment for Modric against Italy

If Modric’s international career ends at Euro 2024, his final national team game would have been bittersweet.

The veteran midfielder first had a penalty saved by Gianluigi Donnarumma but grabbed a goal 33 seconds later.

As noted by talkSPORT, the goal cemented the Croatian captain’s place in the record books as he became the oldest player to score a goal in the tournament’s history.

His goal also looked certain to give his side the win and qualification to the tournament's knockout stages, but those hopes were dashed when Mattia Zaccagni scored late.

The Napoli midfielder’s equaliser left Croatia in third place on the table, waiting to see if they will progress to the next round.

Modric was named Man of the Match but looked thoroughly dejected when receiving his trophy.

Modric’s Madrid contract extended

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While his international future has doubts surrounding it, the 38-year-old knows where he stands at club level.

The New York Times noted that he has signed a contract extension with the La Liga champions.

Modric signed a one-year extension but has taken a pay cut and will have more of a reduced role at the side.

The 38-year-old, one of the club’s most successful players, will look to end his career there with more trophies.

Modric makes Euro history

Croatian captain Modric has made history at the European Championship.

The Madrid midfielder became the oldest-ever scorer in the tournament’s history.

Modric grabbed Croatia’s opening goal against Italy, Sports Brief reported.