Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modric made his 163rd appearance for Croatia when they faced Wales in a 1-1 draw on Saturday.

Modric who will turn 38 in September, has maintained that he is far from calling it quits with the Croatian national team.

Modric’s contract with the club expires at the end of the campaign, and reports claim Real Madrid want him to retire from national team football.

Talking to the press on Friday, Modric was asked whether he needs to retire from international football in order to secure a new deal at Bernabeu.

“Short and clear: no”, the veteran midfielder replied.

“I want to stay at Real Madrid, and I hope it will happen.”