Modric celebrated his 39th birthday this week by scoring for Croatia in a 1-0 win over Poland in the Nations League. The Real Madrid superstar, who won his 180th cap during the game, has shown few signs of slowing down and signed a contract extension at the Santiago Bernabeu in the summer that runs until 2025.

Modric has had to accept a reduced role at Real Madrid with the likes of Eduardo Camavinga, Aurelien Tchouameni, Fede Valverde and Jude Bellingham around but isn't quite ready to follow former team-mate Toni Kroos into retirement. The Croatia star revealed after the win over Poland how he will know when it's time to call it a day.

He told reporters: "With me you never know. We have to take it game by game. I can't think about the future. When I no longer feel the fire in me, I will retire. Only I can feel that fire and make the decision. I am happy to continue here to help the team achieve new victories. At my age it is difficult to predict. I won't need anyone to tell me. Until then, I am still here.

"I'm happy to have scored from a free kick after such a long time. I'm proud and happy to have reached 180 appearances for the national team. I never dreamed of reaching that level. The first time is a dream and 180 is something really wonderful. I'm happy to be here and help."

Modric will now return to Real Madrid and will hope to add to his trophy collection this season with Los Blancos. Carlo Ancelotti's side are back in action on La Liga on Saturday at Real Sociedad.