Daijiworld Media Network - Milan

Milan, Jul 15: In a move that’s both emotional and strategic, 39-year-old Croatian football legend Luka Modric has signed with Italian giants AC Milan, marking a new chapter after a glittering 13-year spell with Real Madrid. The 2018 Ballon d'Or winner inked a one-year deal with an option to extend, hoping to restore Milan to European prominence.

The former Real Madrid star’s signing comes after Milan's dismal 2023-24 Serie A campaign, where the seven-time European champions slumped to an eighth-place finish and failed to qualify for any European competition.

Modric’s connection to Milan runs deep—he grew up supporting the Rossoneri, inspired by fellow Croatian and club icon Zvonimir Boban, who dazzled in Milan's midfield during the 1990s.

In May, Modric officially bid farewell to Madrid after amassing an astonishing 28 trophies with the Spanish powerhouse. His glittering haul includes six Champions League titles, six Club World Cups, five UEFA Super Cups, four La Liga crowns, two Copas del Rey, and five Spanish Super Cups.

Milan have shown ambition by rehiring veteran coach Massimiliano Allegri, who led the club to their last league title in 2011. Allegri replaced Sergio Conceicao after last season's disappointing run and reportedly consulted Carlo Ancelotti—former manager of both Madrid and Milan—regarding Modric’s fitness and readiness.

Milan’s newly appointed sporting director Igli Tare personally met with Modric at Croatia’s training camp last month to finalize the terms. The deal was agreed upon before the Club World Cup, where Modric featured for Madrid one last time in the USA. His farewell game ended in a heavy 4-0 semifinal defeat to Paris Saint-Germain.

With Modric’s arrival, Milan hope to reignite their midfield strength and fanbase belief, bringing in a legend whose experience and leadership could play a key role in the club's revival on the European stage.