Modric’s Contract Extension Possible Until 2027, Says Serie A Team

Following his departure from Real Madrid after a successful 13-year stint, Croatian captain Luka Modric has officially joined AC Milan. The Serie A club announced on Monday that the agreement is for one year, with the option to prolong it until June 2027.

Earlier in the month, Milan’s newly appointed coach, Massimiliano Allegri, verified the midfielder’s acquisition.

In a video posted by Milan on Instagram, Modric, who will be 40 in September, expressed his delight: “Thrilled to be here and embark on a fresh chapter in my career.”

Milan also revealed that Modric will don the number 14 jersey, a number he previously sported during his four seasons with Tottenham Hotspur as a tribute to the legendary Johan Cruyff.

Modric commented after receiving the Ballon d’Or award in 2018: “It’s a tremendous honor to be compared to Cruyff. I wore the no. 14 at Tottenham in his honor since the no. 10 was unavailable.”

Modric, widely regarded as one of the finest midfielders ever, declared his departure from Real in May following the Club World Cup. He played 597 games for the Spanish side, winning 28 titles, including four LaLiga titles and six Champions League crowns.

On Wednesday, he made his final appearance for Real, entering as a substitute in the second half of a 4-0 loss to Paris St Germain in the Club World Cup semi-finals.

Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso commented after the game: “It’s a disappointing conclusion. He is a legend in both world football and Real Madrid. He will be remembered for far more positive moments than the 25 minutes he played today.”

Luka Modric, considered Croatia’s greatest player, holds the national record with 188 appearances and 28 goals. At the 2018 World Cup, he received the Golden Ball after leading Croatia to their first-ever final.

In December of that year, he won the Ballon d’Or, becoming the first player other than Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo to claim the coveted annual title since 2007.

Modric’s arrival strengthens a Milan midfield that already boasts Youssouf Fofana, Yunus Musah, and Ruben Loftus-Cheek, with Samuele Ricci joining from Torino earlier in the month.

Milan, who did not qualify for a European tournament after finishing eighth in the Italian top division last season, will kick off their Serie A season on August 23 against newly promoted Cremonese.