Croatia's 12-yard defeat in the UEFA Europa League final saw 37-year-old Modić once again miss out on the title. The talented midfielder, who won the Ballon d'Or, has played in nine international finals for Croatia, winning two silver medals and one bronze, and was rumored to be announcing his retirement after the final, but Modić said after the match that he had already made up his mind about his future but would not be announcing it.
Modicic made his debut in the World Cup in 2006, and has played in four World Cup finals and four European Cup finals. The European Cup was his ninth international tournament, and the closest he came to winning the World Cup was when he reached the final of the 2018 World Cup, but unfortunately lost to France and finished second. He hopes to win the World Cup for Croatia.
Asked about his stay or departure from Croatia and Real Madrid, Modić said after the match: "I have already made a decision and it is very clear, but I will not announce anything today. Croatia will play the remaining six group stage matches of the European Cup from September to November this year, and if Modić stays in the team, he will still have a chance to challenge for the European Cup title next summer.
