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Croatian midfielder Luka Modric played his last game for Real Madrid on Wednesday in the semi-final of FIFA Club World Cup, coming on as a second-half substitute in a match which his team lost 4-0 to PSG. Just months ago in May, he announced that he would bid adieu to Real Madrid after this tournament. After establishing himself as one of the club’s all-time greats, he ended his 13-year association with the club, and now Modric will be seen where his idol and fellow Croatian Zvonimir Boban played in the 1990s.
With his exit from Madrid, Luka Modric has completed his move to AC Milan on a one-year deal with an option to extend until June 2027. The arrival of the 39-year-old footballer was confirmed in an official statement by the club on Monday, July 14. “AC Milan is delighted to announce that Luka Modric signed a contract with the Club until June 30, 2026 with an option for a one-year extension until June 30, 2027,” the club said. The statement further read, “Luka Modric will wear the number 14 shirt for Rossoneri.” Modric joins AC Milan on a free transfer from Real Madrid.
Real Madrid won 28 titles during Luka Modric’s 13-year association
Regarded as one of the greatest midfielders of all time, Luka Modric has played 597 matches for Real Madrid. During his stint there, the Spanish team won 28 titles: six European Cups, six Club World Cups, five European Super Cups, four Spanish Leagues, two Copas del Rey and five Spanish Super Cups. He led his country to the FIFA World Cup final for the first time in 2018, where he won the Golden Ball and later in that year the Ballon d’Or.
His arrival is expected to reinforce the Milan midfield that also features Youssouf Fofana, Yunus Musah and Ruben Loftus-Cheek, with Samuele Ricci coming in from Torino. Milan will look to regain their form as they failed to qualify for a European competition after finishing eighth in the Italian top-flight league last season. AC Milan will begin their Serie A campaign against Cremonese on August 23.
