Croatian football legend Luka Modric has signed with AC Milan after 13 successful seasons at Real Madrid. At 39, the 2018 Ballon d’Or winner is set to help the Rossoneri bounce back after one of their most disappointing seasons in recent memory.
Modric signed a one-year contract with AC Milan on Monday, with an option for an additional season. This move marks a homecoming of sorts for Modric, who grew up supporting Milan due to his idol and fellow Croatian, Zvonimir Boban, who played for the club in the 1990s.
In May, Modric announced his departure from Real Madrid, where he played a pivotal role in securing 28 titles, including six European Cups, six Club World Cups, and multiple domestic trophies. His experience and skill are expected to be invaluable to AC Milan as they strive to reclaim their status as European football heavyweights.
AC Milan finished eighth in Serie A last season, missing out on European competition. In response, the club rehired former coach Massimiliano Allegri, who replaces the outgoing Sergio Conceicao. Allegri previously led Milan to a league title in 2011 and guided Juventus to five consecutive titles between 2015 and 2019.
Before finalizing the deal with Modric, Allegri reportedly consulted with former Real Madrid and Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti about the midfielder’s form. Milan’s new sporting director, Igli Tare, traveled to Croatia’s training camp last month to secure Modric’s signature.
The agreement was made prior to the FIFA Club World Cup, but Modric couldn’t join Milan until he completed the tournament with Real Madrid in the United States. Real Madrid’s campaign concluded with a 4-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the semifinals, marking Modric’s final game for the Spanish club.
As Modric embarks on this new chapter with AC Milan, fans around the world are eager to see how his experience and leadership will influence the team’s performance in the upcoming season.
