In a move that has sent shockwaves across the footballing world, Croatian midfield maestro Luka Modrić has officially signed with AC Milan, ending his illustrious 13-year spell with Real Madrid. At 39 years old, many assumed his next move would be toward retirement or a less competitive league. Instead, Modrić has made a bold decision—continuing in Europe’s top-flight with one of Italy’s most storied clubs, the Rossoneri.
Let’s dive deep into the significance of this transfer, what it means for AC Milan, and how Modrić’s arrival could reshape the dynamics of Serie A.
A Glorious Era Ends at Real Madrid
Luka Modrić joined Real Madrid in 2012 from Tottenham Hotspur. What began as a modest move soon turned into one of the most successful transfers in modern football history. With over 590 appearances, Modrić helped Real Madrid secure:
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🏆 6 UEFA Champions League titles
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🏆 4 La Liga championships
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🏆 5 FIFA Club World Cups
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🏆 3 UEFA Super Cups
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🏆 2 Copa del Rey titles
In 2018, he broke the Messi-Ronaldo duopoly by winning the Ballon d’Or, becoming the first player in over a decade to win it besides the two legends.
The Emotional Goodbye
On May 22, 2025, Modrić officially announced his departure from Real Madrid. In a heartfelt statement, he said:
“The time has come. A moment I never truly wanted to face. But in football, and in life, everything has a beginning and an end.”
His final match in the iconic Santiago Bernabéu Stadium was a celebration of his brilliance, consistency, and leadership. The emotional farewell left fans in tears and speculation rife about his next destination.
From Miami Rumors to Milan Reality
Initially, strong rumors linked Modrić with Inter Miami, potentially reuniting him with Lionel Messi. However, that speculation was quickly put to rest as AC Milan’s Sporting Director, Igli Tare, confirmed:
“Yes, I spoke directly with Luka. His hunger for competition and winning spirit is unmatched. We’re thrilled to welcome him to Milan.”
Modrić reportedly asked Tare a simple yet telling question:
“Do you believe this team can win the league?”
That question showed his continued ambition and hunger for silverware—even at 39.
Details of the Transfer
According to ESPN and Italian media outlets:
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📄 Contract Length: One year, with an option for a second
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💰 Annual Salary: $4 million USD (approx. €3.7 million), plus bonuses
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🏟️ Squad Role: Likely to be a starter or at least a key rotational figure in the midfield
AC Milan, who finished second in the 2024-25 Serie A season, are aiming to build a title-winning squad, and Modrić brings not just experience but a winning mentality.
What Modrić Brings to AC Milan
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Unmatched Experience:
With multiple Champions League medals and a World Cup final appearance under his belt, Modrić brings a level of experience very few possess. -
Midfield Intelligence:
His passing range, tactical awareness, and composure under pressure will complement Milan’s more youthful midfield. -
Leadership:
Expect Modrić to mentor players like Yacine Adli, Ismaël Bennacer, and Ruben Loftus-Cheek, helping them grow under his guidance. -
Winning Mentality:
Milan needs leaders who’ve been in high-stakes situations. Modrić embodies that spirit.
Potential Challenges
Despite all the positives, the move isn’t without risks:
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⚠️ Age Factor: At 39, his physical capabilities could decline. Can he handle the intensity of Serie A week in, week out?
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⚠️ Injury Concerns: With increasing age, injury proneness is a concern, especially in a physically demanding league.
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⚠️ Tactical Fit: While Modrić is versatile, integrating him into Milan’s fast-paced 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3 systems may take time.
Reaction from the Football World
Social media erupted following Milan’s announcement:
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Real Madrid Fans: While heartbroken, many expressed admiration and gratitude for Modrić’s service.
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AC Milan Fans: The buzz is electric. They’re optimistic this signing will help bring the Scudetto back to San Siro.
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Football Pundits: Most agree it’s a short-term but high-impact move. A “masterstroke” by Milan.
Luka Modrić’s move to AC Milan is not just another transfer—it’s a symbol of ambition, resilience, and an undying love for competition. Even at an age when many players seek semi-retirement leagues, Modrić chooses to test himself in one of Europe’s toughest competitions.
For AC Milan, it’s a low-risk, high-reward deal. For Serie A, it’s a marquee signing. For fans, it’s another chapter in the incredible career of one of football’s greatest midfielders.
The Rossoneri have indeed dropped a bombshell—Luka Modrić is coming to San Siro.