After 13 years at Real Madrid, Luka Modric has once again decided to take on a major challenge. Alleged plans to end his career in Saudi Arabia for a large sum of money have been rejected in favor of his beloved club Milan.
At the end of November 2023, rumors were circulating that Luka Modric would leave Real Madrid for a club in Saudi Arabia.
In the end, however, things turned out differently: The Croatian club legend decided to stay in the Spanish capital for another year under coach Carlo Ancelotti and then opted to remain in Europe.
At almost 40 years of age, Modric will now play for AC Milan in Serie A, initially on a one-year contract with an option for the 2026/27 season.
Modric knows and appreciates Serie A
But why Milan? The 188-time Croatian international provided the answer himself on Monday when he was officially presented as a new signing by the Rossoneri.
“I grew up watching Italian football all the time,” said the veteran player and 2018 World Cup runner-up. “Milan has always been my favorite team, especially when my idol Boban played there. That’s why I’ve always had a special connection to the Rossoneri.”
Boban himself wore the red and black jersey of Milan between 1991 and 2002, becoming a figurehead in over 250 games in attacking midfield, including four Scudetti and the Champions League triumph in 1994. Boban was also employed as an official at the Lombardy club until March 2020.
“I saw Zlatan Ibrahimovic”
“I always talked to Boban about Milan when we met,” Modric continued, also mentioning other great Milan figures of recent times: “I saw Zlatan Ibrahimovic – and Carlo Ancelotti also spoke very highly of Milan. I always had a very positive impression of this club and its fans. The welcome I received was remarkable.”
Luka Modric on expectations
Modric is now looking ahead to a season alongside returning coach Massimiliano Allegri (who was in charge between 2010 and 2014, winning the league title in 2011). And there will be no compromises for him and his team: “Many people here remember Milan as one of the greatest teams in the world. That’s why we can’t be satisfied with a mediocre season or qualifying for the Champions League. We have to strive for titles.” The aim is to achieve more despite strong competition (Inter, Napoli, Juve, Roma).
He wants to instill this attitude in his teammates, the entire club, and everyone around it. Because that is his vision for the final stage of his career, but “we must also remain humble and always work hard to bring the team back to the highest level. I am very ambitious and want to bring that to the team.“ He is fully aware that a lot will be expected of him in this regard and in general, given his qualities on the ball and in attacking midfield: ”I am ready for it.”
