Croatia captain and 2018 Ballon d’Or winner Luka Modric has completed a move to AC Milan, signing a one-year contract with the Italian giants at the age of 39.
The Serie A club announced the deal on Monday, confirming that the veteran midfielder has penned a contract running until June 30, 2026, with an option for an additional year until June 2027.
“AC Milan are delighted to announce Luka Modric has signed a contract with the club,” the 19-time Serie A champions said in a statement.
Modric, who will turn 40 in September, arrived in Milan earlier in the day to undergo routine medical examinations. However, reports from Italian media suggest he will join team training in August.
“I’m very happy to be here to start a new chapter in my career,” Modric said in a video message shared on Milan’s social media channels. “A big hug to everyone.”
The Croatian playmaker spent 12 successful years at Real Madrid after joining from Tottenham Hotspur in 2012, winning numerous domestic and international titles, including five UEFA Champions League trophies. He was linked with a move to Italy since early June after announcing he would leave Madrid following the expiration of his contract.
Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri, who recently returned to the club, confirmed last week that Modric would join the Rossoneri after wrapping up duties with Real Madrid at the Club World Cup.
Allegri previously led Milan to their last Serie A title in 2011 during his first spell in charge from 2010 to 2014. His return is expected to bring fresh momentum as the club prepares for the upcoming season, which begins with an Italian Cup fixture on August 17.
