Luka Modric marked his 39th birthday with a stunning free-kick goal, leading Croatia to a 1-0 victory over Poland in the UEFA Nations League. Despite questions surrounding his retirement, Modric expressed he is focused on each game and will retire only when he no longer feels 'the fire' within him. He acknowledged the difficulty in predicting his future and remains committed to supporting his team, having recently achieved his 180th national appearance. While he has experienced a decline in athleticism, his creativity on the pitch remains sharp, as evidenced by a 94% passing rate and five chances created in the recent match. Modric's contract with Real Madrid runs until June 2025, but this season may be his last, as he adjusts to a less prominent role in the team. The midfielder turned down lucrative offers from Saudi Arabia, indicating his desire to continue playing at a high level.