Luca Modric, now 39 years old, is set to assist in restoring AC Milan’s former glory after a disappointing season for the club.
On Monday, Milan announced that Modric has officially signed a one-year contract with an option for a second season.
The 2018 Ballon d’Or winner arrived in Italy on Monday to undergo his medical examination, having bid farewell to Real Madrid after an illustrious 13-year tenure in Spain.
As a lifelong Milan supporter, he idolized Croatian legend Zvonimir Boban, who played for the club in the 1990s.
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Modric announced in May his intention to depart Madrid, having contributed to 28 titles, including six European Cups, six Club World Cups, five European Super Cups, four La Liga titles, two Copas del Rey, and five Spanish Super Cups.
Last season, Milan finished 8th in Serie A and failed to secure a European spot.
After parting ways with Sergio Conceicao, the club has brought back Massimiliano Allegri as head coach.
Allegri first won the Italian league with Milan in 2011 and went on to lead Juventus to five consecutive titles from 2015 to 2019.
Allegri reportedly consulted former Madrid and Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti about Modric’s fitness. Subsequently, new Milan sporting director Igli Tare traveled to Croatia last month to finalize the deal.
While the contract was agreed upon before the Club World Cup, Modric couldn’t join Milan until after finishing his commitment to Madrid in the tournament held in the U.S.
In his final match with Madrid, they were defeated 4-0 by Paris Saint-Germain in the semi-finals.
Fan Take: This news is significant for soccer fans as it not only marks the arrival of a legendary player at a historic club, but also signals a potential resurgence for AC Milan. Modric’s experience and skill could reinvigorate the team’s ambitions and dynamics, creating an exciting narrative in Italian football.
