Luka Modric has officially signed with AC Milan on a free transfer, ending his illustrious 13-year tenure at Real Madrid. The 39-year-old Croatian maestro, widely regarded as one of the greatest midfielders of his generation, has inked a one-year contract with the Rossoneri, with an option to extend until June 2027, as confirmed by the club on Monday, July 14, 2025. Modric’s arrival at the San Siro marks a significant coup for Milan, who are eager to restore their former glory in Serie A and beyond following a disappointing eighth-place finish last season.
Modric, who will turn 40 in September, brings a wealth of experience and a trophy cabinet bursting with 28 major titles, including six Champions League crowns and four La Liga triumphs. His decision to join Milan comes after a glittering spell at Real Madrid, where he made 597 appearances and cemented his legacy as a club legend. Despite his advancing age, Modric remains determined to compete at the highest level, with his sights set on leading Croatia at the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The move to Serie A offers him the regular playing time needed to maintain his elite form, a key factor in his decision to snub lucrative offers from the Saudi Pro League and Major League Soccer.
Speaking to Milan’s social media channels, Modric expressed his excitement about the new chapter in his storied career. “I’m very happy to be here to start a new chapter,” he said. “Big challenges await me, and I’m ready to give my all for this great club.” His enthusiasm was echoed by Milan’s sporting director, Igli Tare, who highlighted Modric’s leadership qualities. “Luka will be our leader, our key player,” Tare told reporters. “He’s still highly competitive and hungry for titles. His arrival is fundamental for a group that needs players with his mentality and professionalism.”
The transfer was no secret in recent weeks, with Italian journalist Carlos Passerini noting Modric’s eagerness to make an impact. “I’ve had confirmation from those close to him that he is very excited,” Passerini posted on X. “He has no intention of coming to Milan to collect his pension.” Indeed, Modric’s decision to take a significant pay cut—reportedly signing for €3.5 million plus bonuses—underscores his commitment to competitive football over financial gain. Milan’s new manager, Massimiliano Allegri, who returned for a second stint after leading the club to the Serie A title in 2011, played a pivotal role in securing the Croatian’s signature. “Modric will arrive in August. He is an extraordinary player,” Allegri said at a recent press conference, confirming the club’s ambitious plans.
Modric will don the number 14 jersey at Milan, a departure from the iconic number 10 he wore at Real Madrid since 2017. The choice of number, as reported by La Gazzetta dello Sport, reflects a fresh start for the midfielder, who has been a lifelong Milan fan, a sentiment revealed by fellow Croatian and former Milan star Zvonimir Boban. His arrival is expected to bolster a squad in transition, with Milan also eyeing Bayer Leverkusen’s Granit Xhaka to further strengthen their midfield, according to ESPN sources.
The Croatian’s move comes after an emotional farewell to Real Madrid following their elimination from the Club World Cup by Paris Saint-Germain. Reflecting on his time at the Bernabeu, Modric told VAVEL International, “I always want to remember La Decima,” referring to the 2014 Champions League triumph that ended Real’s 12-year drought in the competition. His final game, a 3-2 win over Borussia Dortmund in the Club World Cup, was a bittersweet moment, but as Real’s new coach Xabi Alonso noted, “He will be remembered for many more good things than the 25 minutes he played today.”