Shock Modrić Return Possible: Bilić Begs Him to Come Back
Slaven Bilić met with Luka Modrić to persuade him to play for Croatia again in the Nations League, with a decision expected soon.
Slaven Bilić met with Luka Modrić to persuade him to play for Croatia again in the Nations League, with a decision expected soon.
After returning to the Croatian national team bench a month ago, Slaven Bilić has swung into action. He met with Luka Modrić, former Ballon d'Or winner and AC Milan player, to convince him to don the checkered jersey once more. Modrić has never officially announced his retirement from international football, so a comeback remains a real possibility, and a decision is expected in the coming days, according to Gazzetta dello Sport.
The relationship between the two football figures is special. Bilić made his debut as Croatia's head coach on August 16, 2006, against Italy, and on that day, Modrić scored his first goal for the national team. They started together, spent six years on the same path, and the connection has never been broken. Eight months ago, Modrić gave Bilić an interview that lasted a whopping one hour and 40 minutes.
Upon his return, Bilić immediately made it clear: "One of the first things I'll do is talk to Modrić; I'd like him to continue with the national team." Now he has done just that, and the idea of continuing to play for Croatia is tempting for Luka, especially since he played in the World Cup final and semifinal in that jersey.
Modrić turns 41 in early September, and a demanding season lies ahead. Milan will play two league matches by the end of August, against Torino and Venezia. In September, three Serie A matches and the first Europa League game follow. International breaks bring an even denser rhythm: Croatia plays on September 26 in Czechia, September 29 in Spain, October 3 against England, and October 6 at home against Spain.
After that, Serie A resumes on October 11, and from October 15 to November 5, three rounds of the Europa League are scheduled. The simple conclusion is that matches will be played every 3-4 days, and in November, two more international fixtures are on the calendar. While following his heart is the right thing for Modrić, resting during international breaks would make sense.
While Luka makes his decision, a farewell to Milan is also on the horizon. His daughter Ema, who four months ago delighted Milan fans with a photo of the big trophy won with Milan U13, will continue elsewhere. The Modrić family will live in Madrid due to their daughter's schooling, not in Milan.
