Bilic: I hope Modric can continue to play for the national team, but the decision is up to him.

At his press conference announcing his appointment as Croatia's head coach, Bilic discussed Modric's future with the national team.

For Bilic, this is his second time coaching the national team; he previously coached Croatia from 2006 to 2012.

Bilic stated: "My first step is to establish a training center, which still requires some adjustments. The second step is to talk to the players, especially Luka Modric. We all know who Luka is. The decision is entirely in his hands, regardless of how much he means to football or the national team. He is far more than just the best player on our national team."

“I spoke with him a year ago. One of the first things I need to do is talk to him again. Of course, I hope he can continue to play for the national team, but the final decision is in his hands.”