According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Bilic, who has returned to coach the Croatian national team, met with Modrić and urged him to continue playing for the national team. The player will make a decision soon.

Modrić's future with the national team has once again become a "chess match." Bilic was appointed Croatia's head coach a month ago, after having already coached the team from 2006 to 2012. Upon his appointment, Bilic stated: "One of the first things I will do is speak with Modrić; I hope he continues to play for the national team."

A few days ago, Bilic turned these words into action, and the two met. Bilic hopes Modrić will continue to wear Croatia's checkered shirt. Modrić must make a decision in the coming days, as he has never officially announced his retirement from the Croatian national team after the World Cup. For Milan, too, this decision is important. Modrić will turn 41 at the beginning of September, and it is not reassuring to imagine him constantly enduring high-intensity travel between the league, cup competitions, and national team matches.

The relationship between Modrić and Bilic is special. Bilic first coached Croatia as head coach on August 16, 2006, with Italy as the first opponent. In that match, Modrić scored his debut goal for the Croatian national team. The two almost started together and spent six years working side by side; although they later parted ways, their bond has never been broken. Eight months ago, Modrić even agreed to a one-hour-and-forty-minute interview with Bilic. For Modrić, continuing to represent Croatia has always been an option; wearing this shirt, he played in a World Cup final and a World Cup semifinal.

Of course, Milan's calendar also deserves attention. Before the end of August, Milan still have two league matches to play, against Torino and Venezia respectively. In September, Milan will play 3 Serie A matches and their first Europa League match. After the autumn international break, the calendar will accelerate significantly: Croatia will play the Czech Republic on September 26 (CEST), Spain on September 29, England on October 3, and Spain again at home on October 6. The league resumes on October 11, and then between October 15 and November 5, Milan will play 3 Europa League rounds. In short, there will be a match every 3 or 4 days, with two more national team matches in November. Modrić can certainly listen more to his heart's decision, but adequate rest during international breaks also has practical significance.

Modrić will make a decision in the coming days, while a farewell linked to him has already taken place at Milan. Four months ago, Modrić's daughter Ema impressed Milan fans with a photo of her winning a giant trophy with Milan's U13 team, but she will live elsewhere in the future. Due to school, the Modrić family will live in Madrid, not Milan. There will always be an opportunity to return in the future: this father, who grew up taking photos in Milan's training kit, has waited a long time.

Tradotto dall'IA.

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