Luka Modric has said he is not considering retiring at the end of this season and is simply enjoying playing football.
The Croatian midfielder extended his contract with AC Milan until June 2027 after returning from his fifth World Cup.
Modric, who will turn 41 on Sept. 9, told Diario AS: "There seems to be this idea floating about that when you reach a certain age, it's better to retire and step aside. But I don't see it that way if you feel good because this is my life.
"How long will that be? I know the end is getting closer and closer, but I don't know if it'll be this year or the next. You never know, another one [year]."
Modric joined the Rossoneri on a free transfer in the summer of 2025 after leaving Real Madrid and made 37 appearances last season, scoring two goals.
"I love what I do," he said.
"I truly love football and I'm happy and enjoying myself. I've been doing this for over 30 years -- I started as a child at the age of six -- and I know it can't last as long as other jobs. But for me, this isn't a job; it's something I love. And when you do something you love, you don't see it as a job. It's something I enjoy day in, day out, and as long as I feel good and can see that I'm able to fulfil what's asked of me or what I need to do, I want to carry on."
He has featured in Milan's opening two league wins this season under new manager Ruben Amorim.
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"Of course, I'm not in the same shape as I was 12 or 15 years ago, but I think I've still got a lot to offer," he said.
"I try to stay in the present, live in the moment, enjoy myself, and then see how my body responds. But so far, I still think I can compete at this level, and I believe I'm proving that in matches and in everything else; that's why I want to carry on. We'll see how long it lasts -- I don't want to set any deadlines."
Modric draws inspiration from his former Real Madrid teammate Cristiano Ronaldo, who is 41 and still breaking records.
Ronaldo, who helped Al Nassr win the Saudi Pro League last season, has netted 978 goals and is on track to reach the 1,000 career goal record.
"Cristiano is incredible," Modric, who played six seasons with Ronaldo at Madrid, he said.
"He's a phenomenon, a beast, and I have no doubt whatsoever that he'll reach that milestone. Everything he's done, what he continues to do and how he competes, giving his all match after match, is truly admirable. I have a special affection for him because of everything we did together and achieved at Real Madrid, and that's why I hope he reaches that milestone as soon as possible.
"He's got at least a year ahead of him and I'm sure that he'll get there. I don't know how much longer he'll want to carry on playing, but he'll keep scoring goals even if he wants to carry on until he's 50.
"His knack for scoring goals is incredible, and above all his character, his faith and his self-belief; it's something incredible."
