Croatia may have seen the end of an era at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but Luka Modrić could be far from finished with football.
Just hours after Croatia’s heartbreaking exit to Portugal in Toronto, a defeat widely expected to mark the 40-year-old’s final appearance on football’s biggest stage, reports from Italy suggest Modrić has no intention of hanging up his boots just yet.
According to Italy’s respected sports daily La Gazzetta dello Sport, the Croatian captain is now edging closer to extending his stay with AC Milan for another season.
Tears in Toronto, But Retirement Can Wait
The emotional images of Modrić being comforted by former Real Madrid teammate Cristiano Ronaldo after Croatia’s World Cup elimination quickly spread around the world, prompting speculation that one of football’s greatest careers had reached its final chapter.
But while his international career appears to be over, his club future tells a different story.
According to the Italian newspaper, Modrić has become increasingly convinced over recent weeks that he still has unfinished business in Milan.
Milan Want Their Veteran Leader
The report claims that Modrić had previously kept all options open regarding his future. However, the situation changed after the club’s hierarchy made it clear they wanted him to remain at San Siro.
La Gazzetta reports that club owner Gerry Cardinale personally backed the idea of keeping the Croatian midfielder, while new head coach Rúben Amorim is also said to have spoken directly with Modrić about his plans.
The message from Milan was simple, they still see the Croatian legend as an important part of the project.
A New Role for the Croatian Maestro
While another season now looks increasingly likely, Modrić’s role is expected to evolve.
Rather than playing every minute, the veteran midfielder would have his appearances carefully managed, allowing him to remain fresh for the biggest matches. The report suggests Amorim plans to use Modrić’s experience strategically, either introducing him during the final stages of matches or rotating him through the demanding Serie A calendar.
It would mirror the role Modrić played during the final stages of his remarkable career at Real Madrid.
If the reports prove accurate, Croatia’s World Cup farewell may not have been the end of Luka Modrić’s extraordinary football story after all.
@dubrovnik_times Croatia face Panama at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. And the Croatian fans take over Toronto ???????????????? #croatia #worldcup #vatrenii???? ♬ original sound – The Dubrovnik Times